Sentencing hearing for Hayes brothers hears they were under illusion victim was having 'clandestine affair'

THE JUDGE in the Hayes brothers’ case said it appears both accused were under the illusion that the victim was “having some kind of clandestine affair or involvement with the ex-partner of Daragh Hayes”.

Judge Daly, in sentencing Daragh Hayes and Cian Hayes this Thursday at Limerick Criminal Circuit Court, said their conclusion was “completely unfounded”.

“Even if this was not the case, it could not justify, in the least, any of the actions taken by either of the accused. Nothing can justify both accused in organising themselves to interrogate and punish Ciaran Ryan (victim) in this way. They can’t take on the role of self-appointed doers of justice,” said Judge Daly.

He spoke of the "premeditation" of inviting Mr Ryan to Daragh Hayes’ home ostensibly to talk about Cian Hayes’ upcoming wedding. Mr Ryan was due to be Cian Hayes’ best man.

“They chose everyday items - a hurley and foot-long iron spider wrench - but objects the knew would make good weapons and capable of causing serious injuries.

“It was a sustained attack by multiple assailants. The violence commenced almost immediately. There appears to be little intention by either party to talk to Mr Ryan (pictured below) or engage in any civilised discussion regarding their erroneous beliefs,” said Judge Daly.

The judge said the beating eventually stopped and the brothers acknowledged the victim had attended a family wedding and realised the victim might be telling the truth.

The judge outlined the injuries suffered by Mr Ryan which included a punctured lung, broken leg, fractured ribs, and broken fingers during the beating. He spent over a week in hospital. 

In mitigation, Judge Daly said Cian Hayes has no previous convictions, had a good job and a mortgage, is married with children, has apologised and is not likely to appear in court again. The judge also spoke of a testimonial from a GAA club.

Cian Hayes was represented by Lorcan Connolly SC, appearing with Amy Nix BL.

The judge said Daragh Hayes also has no previous convictions, is well-educated, is a father of three children, has apologised and is not likely to appear in court again.

Daragh Hayes was represented by Brian McInerney SC, appearing with Kenneth Kerins BL.

Judge Daly jailed Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo for three years with the final six months suspended for assault causing harm.

Production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a wrench, and a second count of producing an article, namely a hurley, were taken into consideration.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Hayes brothers jailed at Limerick court for beating best friend 'like they wanted him dead'

Cian Hayes, aged 34, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, was jailed for two and a half years with the final six months suspended for assault causing harm. Producing a wrench was taken into consideration by the judge.

The State was represented by prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, and Detective Sergeant Michael Reidy.