Man assaulted female bar worker in the Midlands after asking for her number and Instagram details

A man who asked a barmaid for her telephone number in a north Longford pub and then assaulted her will return before Longford District Court to allow the court to explore the possibility of restorative justice.

Jonathan Fereira of Thomond Court, Ballymahon pleaded guilty to section two assault at Main Street, Ballymahon on April 29, 2023.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said Gardaí received a report that a young female staff member in a pub had been the victim of an assault.

He stated the defendant who had been drinking in the bar and he asked the young woman her for her number and her Instagram details before he committed the offence.

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"He then grabbed her by the back of the neck and he leaned in to kiss her. She found it difficult to get away from him."

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client, who had the benefit of a Portuguese translator, had got his wires crossed.

"Very unfortunately he had a few drinks and he felt after this lady's natural friendliness that he might be able to talk to her and meet her."

Ms Mimnagh stated her client, who is working and earns €450 per week, had no intention of hurting the complainant.

"It is something he would not do, he has an 19 year-old sister, it was completely wrong and he regrets that it happened.

"He wants to apologise to this young lady," she added.

Mr Fereira, who spoke with the assistance of his translator, said, "I understand my mistake, I did not want to cause her any harm."

The court heard the defendant is now in a long-term relationship and a father of a young child and he has settled down.

Judge Bernadette Owens said she saw nothing in the injured party's victim impact statement that indicated she had exaggerated any elements of the assault and it was a concerning incident.

She noted Mr Fereira's lack of previous convictions and she directed him to pay €500 to the injured party.

Judge Owens requested a restorative justice report and she then adjourned the case until July 22 next.

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