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.