Man in the Midlands who pleaded guilty to assault and knife possession given community service

A defendant in the Midlands who pleaded guilty to assault and possession of a weapon will undertake 200 hours of community service in lieu of a prison sentence.

Artur Rydzak (43) of 22 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesboro, Longford had the charges of possession of a knife on November 21, 2021, at Main Street, Lanesboro and one count of assault on Ryan Garland on the same date concluded at a recent sitting of Longford Circuit Court.

A medical report confirming Mr Rydzak's suitability for community service was handed in to the court before Judge Connolly concluded matters.

In his summing up Judge Kenneth Connolly referenced a number of mitigation factors including the defendant being confronted, his co-operation with Gardai, his early plea of guilty and the remorsefulness expressed in the probation report.

The judge imposed the 200 hours of community service in lieu of nine months in custody, and directed it be completed in 18 months.