Jail term ‘not appropriate sentence’ in cheek bite case

A sentencing judge said street assaults frightened people and prompted calls for culprits to be jailed as the only solution but he said this was not appropriate yesterday in a case where a student was allegedly bitten on the cheek.

Seán Buckley, aged 23, of 63 Waterfall Road, Bishopstown, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to the teenager in Cork city and brought €1,000 in cash to court yesterday for the victim.

Judge Tim Lucey said in relation to the prosecution evidence that the injured party was bitten and the defendant had no recollection of a bite. Furthermore the judge said the injuries consisted of scratches and marks that were not consistent with a bite.