Cork man who pushed pint glass into young man's face jailed for 'unprovoked' attack

The incident occurred at The Market Bar in Kinsale when the injured party was glassed while sitting at a table outside the premises

Matthew Harron was given a three-year sentence with the last two years suspended. File photo

A three-year sentence with the last two years suspended was imposed on a 44-year-old man who pushed a pint glass into the face of young man socialising with friends in Kinsale.

Judge Helen Boyule imposed the sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Matthew Harron of Market Place, Kinsale, County Cork.

The judge said this assault was at the higher end of the scale for offences of assault causing harm, and that despite the many mitigating factors in the case, there has to be a custodial element to the sentence and it could not be a fully suspended term.

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.” 

Defence barrister Paula McCarthy 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 Boyle said people with facial scarring can face discrimination when it comes to entry to places. Fortunately, the victim had the benefit of counselling.

In relation to the accused man, the judge said: “He had no previous convictions, none for violence. There was an early acceptance of responsibility. He saved the victim trauma of giving evidence.

“You suffered depression and anxiety. The GP said you are normally a quiet person and he was surprised at this offending.

Clearly you did have alcohol addiction. It was very unwise to mix alcohol with your medication — it was a dreadful outcome for the injured party and for you.

“You have shown genuine remorse. It is to your credit that you attended at probation and at Cuan Mhuire and attended at their detox programme.” 

Despite all the mitigating factors the judge said a custodial term was necessary in the case.

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. 

The sergeant said:
There was no motivation for this. It was completely unprovoked.

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.

Paula 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 co-operative.