ADHD sufferer who bit off part of man’s ear spared jail

An adult ADHD sufferer who bit off part of a man’s ear has received a suspended sentence.

James Mooney, 22, punched James Ferrari in the head before biting into his ear and tearing part of it off.

The court heard from a doctor who said the condition of adult ADHD was a contributing factor in the late-night assault.

Mooney, of Poolbeg Quay, Ringsend, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm at a GAA club on Sean Moore Rd, Ringsend, on April 1, 2013.

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Judge Desmond Hogan sentenced Mooney to four years in prison but suspended it in full for three years on condition that he complies with probation services for 12 months.

The court heard Mooney is to give the victim €5,000 as a practical expression of his remorse.

Judge Hogan said Mr Ferrari had been seriously injured and Mooney was lucky he had not been charged with the offence of assault causing serious harm, which carries a heavier penalty.

In a victim impact report, Mr Ferrari said his life has been full of worry and depression since the attack.

Mr Ferrari told gardaí that as he was leaving the club he was punched in the face by Mooney and he put his arms up to shield his face. He then felt Mooney biting hard into his ear.

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