Locals blocked assault inquiry

A COMMUNITY closed ranks to thwart a Garda probe into an assault on a retired landscape gardener, Limerick Circuit Court heard.

Garda Gerard Griffin told Judge Carroll Moran that in his 32 years a garda, he had never come across the kind of difficulties in an investigation as he had in a case in which three men pleaded guilty to charges arising from an assault.

Charlie Murphy, aged 22, of Hillside Drive, Athea, and Mark Murphy, aged 21, Lyre, Lisselton, Co Kerry (no relation), both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Michael Leech, who was 71 when assaulted on October 31, 2008.

Nigel Brouder, aged 21 of Coole West, Athea, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in threatening and abusive behaviour.

The court heard that Mr Leech had gone to collect his wife from bingo and was parked near Athea Communtiy Centre. It was Halloween and bangers and fireworks were being let off and eggs thrown. Fearing his car might catch fire because of the fireworks, he confronted several youths.

During the assault he was knocked down, received black eyes, a nose injury, and lost three teeth.

Garda Griffin said up to 60 teenagers witnessed the assault. But due to the influence of some people, parents would not co-operate and he had to call to houses up to six times to try and get them to co-operate. He had never come across anything like it in his career.

Mr Leech, the court heard, did not want to see the three sent to prison.

The court heard he suffered psychological problems due to the assault. His wife, Kit, died less than a year later. While she had an underlying heart condition, Mr Leech believed the stress caused by the attack accelerated her death.

Judge Moran commended Mr Leech’s attitude towards the three. He imposed suspended, two-year sentences on Mark Murphy and Charlie Murphy and gave Brouder the benefit of the Probation Act.

All three shook hands with Mr Leech, who said he bore no ill will.