This article is from page 20 of the 2013-06-04 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
A FATHER of three has pleaded guilty to assaulting a man at a house in Ennis almost two years ago.
Martin Joyce (22) was one of two men who entered 56 Clancy Park uninvited on June 7 (2011). On Tuesday, Ennis District Court heard that the men cornered Thomas McDonagh in the sitting room of the house. Mr McDonagh, who lives at Ballymurtagh Cross, Shannon, was visiting relatives in Ennis on the day.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Mr Joyce threatened Mr McDonagh and warned him to stay out of Ennis. The court heard that threats were made to burn down the house if Mr McDonagh called the gardaí.
The court heard Mr Joyce punched the man into the face and side.
He is currently serving an 18-month sentence imposed at Ennis Circuit Criminal Court in April for witness intimidation. Mr Joyce has 33 previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client has no previous convictions for assault. She said the incident at Clancy Park arose from a confrontation that developed between members of Mr Joyce’s extended family.
The court heard Mr Joyce has over- come drug addiction and is attending the education unit at Cork Prison.
Judge William Early said it was “outrageous” that Mr Joyce, in the company of another man, would go into a house and assault Mr McDonagh.
He said this was the type of offence that deserved a custodial sentence.
Noting the guilty plea and the efforts Mr Joyce is making in prison, Judge Early imposed a four-month sentence.
The sentence is to run concurrent to the sentence Mr Joyce is currently serving.
The court also heard that it is alleged that Thomas McDonagh sus- tained head injuries as a result of blows received from a wheel-brace during the incident.
Martin Joyce is not charged in connection with the alleged wheel-brace assault.
Another man appeared in court charged in connection with the incident. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Judge William Early had indicated he would re-consider jurisdiction of the case.
After hearing an outline of the alleged facts, Judge Early accepted to hear the case in the District Court. The case of the second accused was adjourned to June 12 for mention.