Cork man to be sentenced for attacking victim moments after high fives greeting

The court heard the victim say: 'It's tough to be known as the fella who was laying on the street covered in his own blood'

Judge Helen Boyle said: 'This is a very serious matter. I have to give serious thought to a custodial sentence.' File picture: Larry Cummins

Two young men greeted each other with high fives in Cork City at the jazz festival weekend and chatted and walked together for a few moments when one of them suddenly threw four punches at the other man’s face knocking him unconscious.

Thomas Maye of The Fairways, Bracken Court, Douglas, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm on October 26, 2024, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court but he was at a total loss to give any reason for doing what he did.

Judge Helen Boyle said: “It was clearly an unprovoked assault. Whatever was going on in in this man’s head there clearly was not any threat to him. This is a very serious matter. I have to give serious thought to a custodial sentence. This was an appalling way to behave which had a huge impact on the injured party.

“I am going to put the matter back. I want time to think about this. This man is very much on the hazard of a custodial sentence. He needs to think more about putting his best foot forward.

“I know he has nothing to say other than apologise but he needs to do that (even more than to date) and make a more tangible show of remorse. This was not just a punch, it was leaving someone prone on the ground.” 

Judge Boyle adjourned sentencing until April 20.

Brendan Kelly defence barrister said this young man had never been in trouble before or since and was at a total loss to explain his own behaviour on the night. He brought €10,000 compensation to court for the injured party.

Detective Sergeant Colin Greenway said it was the Friday night of the long weekend when the injured party and his friends were walking from the city centre towards Barrack Street for a house party.

The injured party knew Thomas Maye to see from going to the gym and they greeted each other with high-fives and then chatted on the night. CCTV of what occurred was played at the sentencing hearing several times.

Victim impact statement

The injured party said in his victim impact statement: “It stopped me from going to the gym which is a huge part of my life as it keeps me in a good space mentally. Without the gym I got very down and depressed. 

"I was unable to train for a few months on doctors' instruction, due to the swelling in my brain. This led to me putting on weight which really affected me, as my physical appearance is very important to me… 

"At the time, I felt like I couldn't do anything. It led to me not wanting to see people. I felt very isolated. Even today I sometimes still get dizzy when I'm in the gym or just walking around. The doctor said this could last for a while — they don't know how long.

“I missed so many things that year but by far the biggest was my college graduation. This really upset me. Despite all the hard work I put into completing my college course, I couldn't celebrate our graduation achievement with my peers. 

"While they were receiving their scrolls at the graduation ceremony, I was receiving specialist treatment in the eye clinic. I missed a very important moment in my life that I can't get back. 

"Indeed, the assault put my career back a year. Having received my degree, I could not apply for jobs in my profession during my recovery phase.

“The biggest effect this assault has had on me is on my confidence and mental health. 

After this event took place, I needed to go back to counselling as my mental health was at an all-time low. Since this incident I'm a very different person. 

"I used to be a very bubbly, life of the party type of person. I used to be very confident in talking to people one on one and in big crowds. However, since the assault that has all changed. I find myself not attending social events as much. 

"I even find that going out with my friends, with people in town, is a struggle. I get too anxious in crowds or busy places, especially when I'm drinking. 

"After the assault it took me ages to be able to go out and socialise and when I finally did it led to me having a panic attack because my best friend simply bumped into me and it triggered me. I couldn't breathe and felt like the room was getting smaller and then this wave of emotion overtook, and I burst out crying. 

"Sometimes I feel so angry and sad because of how this affected me so much. It's tough to be known as the fella who was laying on the street covered in his own blood.”