Man, 43, smashed glass into face of customer at Kinsale bar

Gardaí said the incident occurred on September 20, 2022, at The Market Bar in Kinsale when the injured party was glassed while sitting at a table outside the premises.

A young man socialising with friends in Kinsale, Co Cork, politely asked a man to leave them alone and then the 43-year-old pushed a pint glass into his face leaving him with extensive scarring.

Matthew Harron of Market Place, Kinsale, County Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm to the young man a.

Sergeant Jim O’Donoghue said the incident occurred on September 20, 2022, at The Market Bar in Kinsale when the injured party was glassed while sitting at a table outside the premises.

The young man sustained a number of lacerations to the left side of his face when the defendant hit him across the face with a pint glass.

The injured party was sitting at a table. He asked the defendant to leave as he was being loud. The defendant pushed the pint glass with force into his face, Sgt O’Donoghue said.

“The defendant was extremely intoxicated at the time and he later made full admissions. There was no motivation for this. It was completely unprovoked,” the sergeant said.

Matthew Harron had six minor public order convictions and one for having drugs for his own use.

The injured man had to receive 11 stitches to his face. He still has a scar on the left side of his face and is receiving ongoing treatment for substantial scarring.

Sgt O’Donoghue said the young man was badly affected by the incident and is conscious of the scarring and people noticing it and asking about it.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said on Mr Harron’s behalf: “He was highly intoxicated and on prescription drugs at the time. There was one punch with a glass in his hand. He remained at the scene until gardaí arrived. He was cooperative with the gardaí. He made full admissions. He was very remorseful. He has a history in relation to mental health.

“He had an awareness of the effect on the victim in the case. He has brought €1,000 to court for the injured party as an indication of remorse. He wants more time to put his best foot forward in that regard.

“He has not come to adverse attention since. He has shown good victim empathy and remorse.” 

Judge Helen Boyle said it was of concern that a probation report on Matthew Harron assessed him as being “at high risk of reoffending.”

 The judge put sentencing back until February 20, 2024, and directed the preparation of an updated probation report.

Judge Boyle said the injured party and friends were enjoying themselves and they politely asked Mr Harron to leave them alone.