Man who smashed glass into face of customer at Kinsale bar to be sentenced at later date

The accused previously pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm to the man.

A man who pushed a pint glass into the face of a young man socialising with friends in Kinsale claimed that he had rehabilitated and gathered €2,000 for the victim but the judge reminded him that she had made no promises to him regarding sentencing.

Now at Cork Circuit Criminal Court the case against Matthew Harron, aged 44, of Market Place, Kinsale, Co Cork, has been put back until November 26 for finalisation. He previously pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to a charge of assault causing harm to the man.

Paula McCarthy, defending, said: “He has put forward €2,000 which is significant compensation from his limited resources. You gave him an opportunity to prove himself. He has taken that opportunity.

“He has taken treatment, doing over and above what is expected of him. He is extremely remorseful for his actions. He had mental health difficulties. He engaged with the probation service and with Cuan Mhuire.

“This occurred in September 2022 and he has not come to adverse attention since that date. I would ask you not to mark this with a custodial sentence. He has taken huge steps to reform himself.” 

Judge Helen Boyle said: “I said from the outset that this was a serious offence. I did facilitate the adjournment and he has — in fairness to him — taken the opportunity. But I never ever made any promises (in relation to whether or not there would be a custodial sentence) in this case.” 

The judge said she needed time to consider the matter in light of all of the evidence and adjourned sentencing until November 26 for that purpose.

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.

The injured man had to have 11 stitches to his face. He still has a scar to 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.

Ms McCarthy said it was a one punch assault with a glass in his hand and he remained at the scene until gardaí arrived and was cooperative.