Canadian tourist visiting Limerick was ‘kicked and punched’

A CANADIAN tourist visiting Limerick city was kicked on the ground shortly after he was assaulted by another man who was wearing boxing gloves, a court has heard.

John Patterson, aged 49, of Dalgaish Park, Moyross, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm relating to an incident at Lower Denmark Street on September 28, 2018.

John O'Sullivan BL, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the facts of the case with the assistance of Garda Brian Kelly.

He said the victim - a Canadian national in his 40s - was enjoying a night out in the city when he was punched “five or six times” by a man wearing boxing gloves.

That man has already been dealt with by the courts.

The court heard the victim was lying “unresponsive in an alleyway” when the accused kicked him into the head on three occasions.

Mr O’Sullivan said the injuries to the Canadian man were a fractured eye socket, a severe cut above his left eye and bruising to both eyes.

“It was a vicious beating of a defenceless man,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Garda Niall Kelly said following a garda investigation Mr Patterson was identified as a suspect.

New investor sought for prominent Limerick shopping centre

“He made full admissions. He was fully compliant,” said Garda Kelly.

During interviews the defendant told gardai it was “not acceptable” and that he “didn’t know what was going through his head”.

During one interview, he told gardai: “I was assaulted as well. I know it makes me look bad. I was out with my missus. He shouted something at my missus. He gave as good as he got.”

Mr O’Sullivan asked Garda Kelly if this was the case? “No. He (the victim) was on the ground at the time.”

Jack Nicholas BL, defending, said it was a very strange sequence of events.

“A man put on boxing gloves with the intention of assaulting people on the street. He started punching the injured party. There were a flurry of punches. This was unconnected to my client,” said Mr Nicholas, who added it could not be determined if the injuries sustained were inflicted by Mr Patterson or the man with the boxing gloves.

Mr Nicholas said it was an “awful and disgraceful act” by his client to kick a man when he was down.

“He was out with his wife on the night this incident occurred. He was shocked to see his actions on CCTV. It was driven by alcohol. He apologises to the victim and is deeply remorseful,” said Mr Nicholas, who noted his client has not come to the attention of gardai since.

“It was a total and utter aberration. Alcohol use is certainly a factor. He is highly unlikely to be before court again. He works as a chef and has twin boys,” he said.

Judge Tom O’Donnelll such incidents are becoming far too prevalent in Limerick city at nighttime.

“It was extremely cowardly, effectively kicking a man when he was down,” said Judge O’Donnell, who also referred to the other man wearing boxing gloves, who punched the victim, in the same tone.

The judge said alcohol was no excuse and the injuries caused were “nasty”.

He noted that Patterson had presented himself at a garda station, was fully co-operative and ashamed of his actions.

“He is hard-working, has a young family, contributes to society and hasn’t been in any difficulties since 2018 but there is no place in civilised society for this type of behaviour,” said Judge O’Donnell.

He imposed an 18 month prison sentence which he suspended in full. Mr Patterson entered a bond to keep the piece and be of good behaviour for 18 months.