Mayo man to be sentenced for assault that left victim in wheelchair

A Mayo man is to be sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting a man who has been left wheelchair-bound and requiring lifelong care as a result of serious brain injuries.

James Byrne (aged 26), of The Ridgepool Apartments, Barrett Street, Ballina pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Noel Hudson (aged 22) causing him harm on March 18, 2006 at Corrig Avenue, Dun Laoghaire.

Judge Patricia Ryan remanded Byrne on continuing bail and listed the case for mention later this month to set a sentence date. His guilty plea came before a jury was due to be sworn in for his trial.

Gary Stapleton (aged 25) of Hillview Crescent, Bunree Road, Ballina was jailed for six years last month by Judge Katherine Delahunt for his role in the assault, which has left Mr Hudson wheelchair-bound and requiring lifelong care as a result of serious brain injuries.

Mr Hudson remains in hospital care having suffered a traumatic brain injury after Stapleton punched him and knocked him down and then kicked him once in the head as he lay on the ground.

Stapleton pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing Mr Hudson serious harm in the assault.