Man returns from stay in Vietnam to get suspended sentence for Cork city centre assault

The victim missed flying out with his family for a family wedding as a result of the attack, Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard

The attack happened as the man was walking home on Grand Parade on August 21, 2017. File picture: Denis Minihane

A 31-year-old Dubliner who admitted being involved in an assault on another man in Cork city centre more than nine years ago has returned from an intervening period in Vietnam to be given a four-month suspended sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

David Quirke of Valentia Parade, North Circular Road, Dublin, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to the single charge on the indictment of simple assault in Cork City on August 21, 2017.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the defendant had written a letter expressing his regret for what happened and had brought €1,000 compensation to court for the injured party at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Helen Boyle said: “The evidence is that the gentleman was walking home on Grand Parade on August 21, 2017, after being out socialising. He had an interaction with two men and ended up in an ambulance.

“Gardaí sought eyewitnesses and it appeared he had been set upon by two suspects and knocked to the ground and suffered bruising and swelling to the face.

“Your (David Quirke’s) description is that you were approached by the victim who made an offensive comment to the person you were with and that you did not necessarily start it, that you retaliated.

“Your co-accused received a four-month prison sentence for his part. You left the country and you went to Vietnam afterwards. You have been fully co-operative and there was no repeat of the violence.

But this was two against one which is never a good look. 

You may not necessarily have started it but the injured party and eyewitnesses said it was unprovoked. 

"And he missed flying out with his family for a family wedding as a result of this. He feels it was a senseless attack and still feels unsafe in town even nine years later.

“Ms Audley (barrister) says you were going through a turbulent period in your life and you are now a different person to the person who was involved in this assault on the night. The evidence is that you were the less culpable of the parties.” 

The judge finalised the matter with the imposition of a four-month suspended sentence.