Nightclub row left woman scarred

A young woman was left scarred over her eye after being struck with a glass at a nightclub and yesterday a man pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to her.

Mark Allen, aged 25, of 20 Knocknaheeny Ave, Knocknaheeny, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Nicola O’Sullivan at Cubin’s nightclub, Hanover St, Cork, on Jun 12, 2011.

Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, described Allen as a decent young man who was guilty of assault in the sense that he had been reckless about his actions, rather than deliberately attempting to assault the injured party.

Mr Buttimer said that, on a night out, someone made a disparaging remark about a person who was not present but who was known to Allen, and this resulted in a verbal altercation.

“There was an interaction between my client and a group of people,” said Mr Buttimer. “He was cross about what was said. There was an almost physical approach by a number of females. To get away, he went to brush them aside when he was holding a glass.”

Garda Insp Eileen Foster said Ms O’Sullivan suffered a cut over her left eye and needed to have five stitches.

Mr Buttimer said civil proceedings had been initiated by Ms O’Sullivan against Allen and the owners of the nightclub.

In relation to sentencing, Judge Olann Kelleher said: “He is at risk. If you glass someone in the face, you are at risk.”

Mr Buttimer said Allen would be keen to gather compensation for Ms O’Sullivan.

Judge Kelleher said as he adjourned it until Dec 17: “I won’t finalise it until I see what compensation is paid.”