This article is from page 13 of the 2012-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
AN Ennis man has been sentenced to five months in prison for what a judge described as an “absolutely reprehensible and appalling” assault in a bookmakers earlier this year.
A 59 year old man was spat at and kicked in an Ennis bookmakers on March 5 (2012).
Sean Moroney (41), with an address at 31 Dalcassian Park had pleaded guilty to assault, intoxication and provoking a breach of the peace.
The matter came before Ennis District Court on Wedneday for sentence.
Inspector John Galvin told the court that Mr Moroney entered the premises at 2.45pm on the day in question. The court heard that he spat at a customer and attempted to kick him.
Gardai escorted Mr Moroney from the premises. Insp Galvin said the accused was in a highly intoxicated state. The court heard that Mr Mo- roney has a number of previous convictions for public order offences and assault.
Solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client, a father of one, has had significant difficulties with alcohol.
She said the victim in the case had made a remark about her client’s father on the day in question.
Ms Godfrey said, “He apologises to the injured party but he said something that was quite cruel.
She urged the court to consider or- dering Mr Moroney to engage with the Probation services.
Judge Patrick Durcan said the accused had a record that was “unsavory in the extreme”.
He said he “absolutely abhors” assaults that involve spitting, saying there is an added element of insult in that type of assault.
Judge Durcan added, “They are not manly assaults. They are cowardly assaults.”
He described the incident in the bookmakers as “absolutely reprehensible and appalling.” He said he had to balance the accused’s guilty plea, his “battle with the demon drink” against the nature of the assault.
Judge Durcan sentenced Mr Moroney to four months in prison for the assault.
He imposed another month for provoking a breach of the peace. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal. Judge Durcan said it was time for Mr Moroney to “wake up.”