Trainee teacher in court for assaulting man at popular late-night venue in Limerick

A YOUNG man has been charged with assaulting a man in Smyth’s pub on Denmark Street in Limerick city. 

Liam Kelly, 22, of Ashley Close, Clare, punched a man three times in the face with a closed fist following a verbal altercation, on October 3, 2024, at 1.45 am. 

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told Limerick District court that the injured party went to Henry Street Garda Station following the incident. 

Sergeant O’Neill said the victim had a “headache” after the assault, and went to Sligo University Hospital to treat his injuries.

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The court heard that when he was first questioned by gardaí, Mr Kelly made no admissions regarding the incident, but then he later stated that he felt threatened by the man. 

Solicitor John Herbert, defending Mr Kelly, said that prior to the punch, Mr Kelly was sitting in the pub, drinking water and enjoying the company of other men, when three other men began engaging with him. 

Mr Herbert said the assault “did not come out of nowhere”, and that Mr Kelly is training to be a teacher. 

Judge Patricia Harney commented that “three punches seems to be a bit excessive”. 

Considering the case, the judge sought to view CCTV footage of the incident on the night’s events. 

The case is due to come before the court again in the new year, February 6, to review the footage from Smyth’s pub. 

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.