This article is from page 12 of the 2012-01-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
A SOUTH African man is picked on because of the “colour of his skin” on nights out in Ennis, a court has heard.
Derek Matha (20), with an address at 108 Woodhaven, Kilrush Road, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Matha faced the potential activation of a two-month suspended sentence previously imposed by the Court.
Solicitor Darragh Hassett said his client had never come to the court’s attention as a juvenile.
He told the court that the suspended sentence related to a public order incident that involved a number of people in Ennis.
Mr Hassett explained, “The colour of his skin was called into question. The N-word was used and he reacted badly.”
He said Matha “gets picked on because of the colour of his skin”, adding that drink doesn’t agree with him.
He said Matha is “quite naïve”. He said his client is now off the drink and is living a “hermit life”. Mr Hassett said his client is currently carrying out community service.
He added that Matha is enrolled in the youthreach programe and is currently looking for work.
Mr Hassett asked that the suspended sentence not be enforced.
The court heard that Matha was convicted of assault causing harm at Athlone District Court earlier this month. Mr Hassett said compensation had been paid in the Athlone case.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy said that, under the circumstances, he would not invoke the suspended sentence
He fixed bail and remanded the accused to appear at Athlone District Court on January 25.