Albanian car wash operator admits assault at Offaly leisure centre

AN Albanian man pleaded guilty to assault when he appeared before Tullamore Circuit Court.

Andrea Ziflai (37), Grove Street, Crinkle admitted assaulting another person, causing them harm, at Birr Leisure Centre on September 2 last year.

Mr Ziflai entered the guilty plea when he was arraigned before Judge Ronan Munro on Tuesday (April 14).

An application for legal aid was made by counsel for Mr Ziflai, Suzanne Dooner, BL, who said the accused was a car wash operator who had operated at a loss last year.

Ms Dooner handed in a statement of means and Judge Munro said the defendant was a working man who was paying tax and unless he had “money stashed away” he would grant him legal aid.

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Shane Geraghty, BL, prosecuting, said that €8,000 had been seized by gardai in November during their investigation.

Judge Munro remarked that it would not be available to the accused man and he granted legal aid.

Mr Ziflai's sentencing was scheduled for May 6 next.