Teenagers get probation for assaults on two men

TWO teenagers involved in serious assaults on young men in Blarney, Co Cork, have been put on probation bonds for a year and ordered to comply with the directions of the probation service.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy made the order following a number of adjournments of sentencing in the case at Cork District Court.

A 17-year-old who cannot be named as he is a juvenile was convicted of carrying a weapon, namely a golf club, assaulting John McCarthy of Ballygibbon, Blarney, and assault causing harm to Brendan Barry of Lyredane, Grenagh, Co Cork. Mr Barry was slashed across the face and is left with a scar to his cheek.

The accused had denied the charges but was convicted last October.

Judge McCarthy said at the time: “Someone has been left with a permanent scar. The only reason this is in the district court is because he is a juvenile. Otherwise it would be in the circuit court. They are extremely serious offences.”

When addressed by solicitor, John Henchion, on sentencing, the judge said the defendant had rights but that the injured parties had rights and so did the rest of society. “Sentencing is a deterrent against others who would think of slashing people in the face,” the judge said.

A 16-year-old co-accused was also put on a probation bond for a year whereby he must comply with the directions off the probation service.

He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Shane Murphy whom he struck on the head in Blarney woods. The victim was knocked unconscious for a time.

His solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, said mob mentality took over on the night. When the 17-year-old was being arrested he lashed out at Garda David Aherne and Garda Maurice O’Regan who struggled to arrest this defendant and another youth who was previously dealt with in court. The gardaí required the assistance of Cllr Joe O’Callaghan and four officers who arrived from Gurranabraher Garda station.

Mr O’Callaghan who lives across from the woods saw the injured parties coming out of the woods at around 10pm on May 4, 2008. “When I saw them I was aghast. When I saw the extent of their injuries, I was absolutely horrified beyond belief.”