Bohs fans assaulted man on way to match

Six or seven Bohemians soccer fans surrounded a man in Cork City on their way to a match and despite his efforts to avoid them by trying to get in the door of a pub, he was struck on head with a glass and punched.

Inspector John Deasy told Cork District Court the incident occurred on August 22 when David Coleman was walking down South Main St in Cork and found himself surrounded by six or seven Bohs fans who had come down from Dublin for a match against Cork City.

Ronan McGhee, aged 19, of 37 Grangepark, Baldoyle, Dublin, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Coleman. Insp Deasy said McGhee was the one with the glass.

Martin Sands, aged 22, of 2 Robert Emmet Close, Dublin, also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said McGhee was apologetic and had travelled with his father. He had no previous convictions.

Graham Hyde, solicitor, said Sands was also apologetic and he too had no previous convictions.

McGhee brought €700 to court towards compensation. Judge Leo Malone said he wanted €2,000 compensation from McGhee and €500 from Sands.

He adjourned sentencing until November 26.