Cork man who headbutted late-night bus passenger in the nose is jailed

Accused followed injured party after he got off a bus in Youghal and assaulted him, court heard

Accused also pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

A young man got off a bus in Youghal at about midnight only to be followed by another passenger who headbutted him into the nose before the victim had an opportunity to defend himself.

A sentence of three years has now been imposed on Jonathan O’Leary, 31, of Blackwater Heights, Youghal, Co Cork, as a result of this and other offences he committed in the area.

O’Leary pleaded guilty to this charge of assault causing harm. He had an 18-month suspended sentence hanging over him from a previous offence of assault causing harm. Activation of that sentence was triggered by the more recent offending.

As well as attacking the bus passenger, O’Leary also pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine.

Garda Martin Murphy testified that on February 17, 2023, €980 worth of cocaine was found at a premises on North Main Street, Youghal, together with weighing scales and deal bags.

He made full admissions to having the cocaine for sale or supply to others.

Then on December 10, 2023, on a late night bus, the victim had finished work and was returning to Youghal. There was some interaction on the bus where the defendant, who was with a woman, appeared to be intoxicated. The injured party was conscious of being followed when he got off the bus in Youghal.

“He was headbutted in the nose by Jonathan O’Leary. The lady with him was trying to pull him off. Video stills from CCTV were viewed and the accused was identified, as he was known to gardaí in Youghal.

The injured party sustained a fracture to the small finger on his right hand and bruising to his nose.

Alan O’Dwyer, defence barrister, submitted the injured party had recovered quite well and the defendant had met him a number of times since and apologised to him. “He got into a foolish skirmish that resulted in the injured party suffering an injury to his finger and a bloody nose, but fortunately nothing more serious,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

The barrister outlined details of serious health issues, for which the defendant is presently receiving treatment.

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed sentences which effectively total three years.