Army man spared conviction for assault

The assault took place in 2018, following a dispute during a game of cards 

The accused was told to make a payment to Cork Simon Community in lieu of a conviction.

A man with 31 years of honourable service in the Irish Army avoided a first conviction for assault yesterday on payment of €1,500 to the injured party.

Judge Olann Kelleher said at Cork District Court that on payment of €500 to Cork Simon Community, Derek Hackett of Ashlington, Brooklodge, Glanmire, Co Cork, was being given the benefit of a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act.