Mayo man awaits sentence after assault left victim wheelchair-bound

A Mayo man has been remanded in custody pending sentence for his part in an assault which left the victim wheelchair-bound and requiring lifelong care as a result of serious brain injuries.

James Byrne (aged 26) with an address at The Ridgepool Apartments, Barrett Street, Ballina, ran towards the victim and punched him in the face, leaving the man dazed. His friend Gary Stapleton (aged 25) then punched the man once, knocking him down, and then kicked him once in the head as he lay motionless on the ground.