Offaly man in court after fracturing teenager's jaw with a box

THE recent sitting of Tullamore Court heard evidence about a Mucklagh man who fractured the jaw of another man by boxing him. 

Michael Cornally, 51 Beechmount Park, Mucklagh was charged with committing the assault at Beechmount Park on October 31 last. The defending solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client was pleading guilty. 

Sgt James O’Sullivan told the court that on the date in question the Gardai received a report that an assault had taken place at 6.30pm in the village and a man’s jaw had been fractured. 

The Sergeant said Mr Cornally had one previous conviction, for a road traffic offence. 

Judge Andrew Cody asked if it was a serious fracture. Sgt O’Sullivan said it was a hairline fracture. 

“Fireworks were being let off in the vicinity,” said Mr Farrelly, “and when a youth pointed a firework at my client’s daughter, my client tried to stop the firework from being fired. Nevertheless, the firework went off, narrowly missing the child and he was very annoyed to see this. 

“My client has a history of ADHD and has attended the psychiatric services for depression. He is 23 years of age. He says it was a moment of madness and he greatly regrets it." 

Judge Cody said the boy whose jaw was fractured was only 16 years of age. “Your client fractured his jaw with a box.” 

“It was a moment of madness because of fear and concern for his child,” commented Mr Farrelly.   The Judge adjourned the case for a victim impact statement.

“I will expect compensation of at least €1,000 to be paid.”