Accused who threw glass bottle at another man’s head spared jail

Judge gives man a chance to 'put his best foot forward with probation service'

The court was told an issue of 'no great importance' had arisen between the two parties. File picture: Larry Cummins

A 29-year-old man who threw a glass bottle at another man’s head at the height of a row between parties in Glanmire, Co Cork, was warned by a sentencing judge that the offence warranted a jail term, but was given a chance to “put his best foot forward with the probation service”.

Rather than finalising the case against Donal Bullman, of 15 Willow Gardens, Brooklodge, Glanmire, Co Cork, for assault, Judge John King said at Cork District Court that he would adjourn the matter until April 15 for the preparation of a probation report.

Sergeant John Dineen outlined the background to the assault, which occurred on November 8, 2024, at Brooklodge Grove, Glanmire.

Garda Fiona Lane received a call to attend the area. That afternoon, several men were on the black path in the area when it was alleged that Donal Bulman and other men arrived and came towards them with weapons, including sticks and hammers.

The injured party and his group ran into a house at Brooklodge. When the group with the injured party emerged, the defendant hit him in the head by throwing the bottle, Sgt Dineen said.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said that on November 8, 2024, there was an unexpected meeting between two groups, and there was a row about an issue “of no great importance” that had arisen a few months before that.

Mr Buttimer said the accused recently returned to employment. He added that the defendant and the injured party know each other and that there is no longer any animus between them.