Leading lawyer assaulted legal rival

A judge has found that leading criminal lawyer John Devane had assaulted solicitor John Herbert at Limerick District Court.

Judge Patrick Clyne said he would exercise his discretion and dismiss the case on its merits, avoiding a conviction, if Mr Devane donated €1,000 to St Vincent de Paul by Oct 18.

Judge Clyne said it was a sad day for the court in Limerick, but he was happy that the State had proven its case on a section 2 assault by Mr Devane, aged 49, of Quinlan St, Limerick.