Student assaults cameraman

A UCD science student is awaiting sentence after a court heard he broke a TV cameraman’s nose during an unprovoked attack in a popular Dublin pub.

Cillian Worrall, a 23-year-old final-year student in medicinal chemistry, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to TV3 cameraman Ronan Quinlan at McSorley’s Pub, in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, on August 8 last year.

Gda Sergeant Niall Gilhooley told Judge Michael Walsh that Mr Quinlan suffered a broken nose and bruising; the victim told gardaí it had been a “totally unprovoked” assault and neither men were known to each other.

Mr Quinlan said he was prepared to accept a payment of €2,000 from the UCD student, who is from Fortfield Road, Terenure, Dublin.

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The court heard that Worrall tried to infiltrate Mr Quinlan’s group of acquaintances but was “rebuffed”. The student, “subsequently returned and struck Mr Quinlan”.

The defence said that Worrall’s friends had noticed he had been acting strangely on the night of the attack.

On the same night he got arrested for a public order offence.

His family and friends were “driven to the conclusion his drinks were interfered with”, the judge heard in pleas for leniency.

Judge Walsh was told Worrall had no recollection of the assault or any explanation for it, and is apologetic.

Judge Walsh agreed it seemed to be out of character and the evidence was that his behaviour was erratic. He also said he was aware of the plight of young graduates trying to find work and a conviction would have serious affects if Worrall is looking for employment.

Judge Walsh adjourned sentencing to consider the matter and said the defendant would need to think about making some gesture to charity.

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