Man hit with hammer in darts row

A row over darts led to a man being struck on the head with a hammer.

An 18-month suspended jail term was imposed on Ian Cullinane, aged 34, of 3 Briarwood, Old Youghal Road, Cork.

Judge Seán Ó Donnobháin said: “It was an unprovoked assault during a serious drinking bender. He struck his friend in the face with a hammer.

“Since this he has shown some insight. He is trying to get work. There are no ongoing problems and no previous convictions for assault,” he noted.

Defence barrister Ray Boland told Cork Circuit Criminal Court: “He is unlikely to come to attention again.”

Cullinane had previously admitted producing the hammer but did not admit using it..

Garda Mary-Jane Summers said the injured party Colin Walshe was playing darts at a pub in Mayfield in June 2013. He gave Cullinane a loan of €10.

Cullinane invited him back to his house with another man for a drink. Mr Walshe was waiting for a taxi home when they started talking about a forum for darts on the internet. Garda Summers said the atmosphere changed and Cullinane head-butted him.

Mr Walshe claimed he heard someone saying: “Get the hammer.” He was struck on the arm, head-butted in the face and sustained a blow to the back of his head.

A medical report showed a fractured skull but no long-term damage. Sentencing was adjourned for Cullinane to make a contribution to charity as well as the €1,000 gathered in compensation.

Mr Boland said Cullinane had gathered a further €700 which the judge directed should be given to the Simon Community.