Cork man involved in 'spur-of-the-moment' assault on teen released from jail

Judge backdated the sentence on the 21-year-old to when he went into custody, saying 'he seems to have learned his lesson'

A man involved in an assault on a 16-year-old in the car park of the Clonakilty Park Hotel has been released after five months in prison awaiting sentence. Picture: iStock

A young man who got involved in an assault on a 16-year-old in the car park of the Clonakilty Park Hotel has been released after five months in prison awaiting sentence.

Judge Dermot Sheehan backdated a sentence of two years to when 21-year-old Shane Stokes, of 8 St Anthony’s Park, Dave McCarthy Rd, Hollyhill, Cork, went into custody and suspended the balance of it from now.

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy said Shane Stokes had no relevant previous convictions.

“He should not have got involved. He felt under pressure to do so and made a spur-of-the-moment decision to become involved. He has never been in custody before this.

“He paid €2,000 compensation. Given that he has spent five months in custody, I am asking you to suspend the balance of any sentence,” Ms McCarthy said.

Stokes pleaded guilty to his part in the offence of assault causing harm carried out on May 6, 2023. 

He also admitted production of a weapon, namely a glass Bulmers bottle.

Judge Sheehan noted from Garda Lawton that what should have been a happy day on a sunny afternoon was interrupted by the accused hitting the teenager over the head.

Judge Sheehan said: “He played a full and active part in this cowardly attack on a 16-year-old child by two adults.

“I will sentence him two years backdated to when he went into custody on June 17,” Judge Sheehan said "I have seen how he got on in prison. He had not the best start in life. 

He is married with a supportive wife. He seems to have learned his lesson. 

Det Garda Dan Lordan investigated the attack which occurred in the car park of the Park Hotel in Clonakilty.

“The injured party was sitting in the foyer of the hotel when he was approached by [Shane Stokes’s accomplice] and Shane Stokes. 

"They attacked him. He tried to run away. They caught him in the car park.”

He was struck with the bottle and kicked eight times while on the ground in the attack which was captured on CCTV.