Suspended term for punch that left man almost blind in one eye

A four-year suspended jail sentence was imposed on a man yesterday who punched a pub customer for accidentally spilling his drink.

The blow, however, had catastrophic consequences leaving the victim almost blind in his right eye.

Patrick Shanahan, aged 30, had sentencing adjourned several times since the 2010 assault. Although no civil proceedings were brought against him, the accused has gathered €35,000, defence barrister Cathy Harnedy confirmed yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin took into consideration the compensation offer, genuine remorse, absence of previous convictions or any difficulties with the accused since.

He said a lengthy sentence was necessary to mark the seriousness of the assault but it was appropriate to suspend it in view of mitigating factors. Shanahan of Ballinvoher, Kilworth, Co Cork, previously admitted a charge of assault causing serious harm to Martin Kennedy on November 21, 2010, at Grocers’ nightclub in The Abbey Bar, Fermoy.

Supt Michael Comyns had previously said the injured party was dancing near a jukebox and accidentally knocked against Shanahan, spilling some of his drink. The accused responded by striking out one single blow to Mr Kennedy’s eye.

In relation to the injury the superintendent said: “There is permanent and irreversible loss of sight in his right eye.

“It is not totally gone but it is very poor and there is no hope it will improve.”

Supt Comyns said as soon as Shanahan was interviewed, he admitted punching the injured party but said: “I did not mean to hurt this man, it was a moment of madness.”

The superintendent said: “He did not intend it, it was reckless the way that he lashed out. He accepts he hit Mr Kennedy one punch.”

Mr Kennedy had told Cork Circuit Criminal Court: “This incident has had a very serious impact on my life. I get depressed thinking about what I can do with the rest of my life because of this injury.”