A schoolboy who suffered a 5cm gash to his forehead when a toilet door was slammed into his face has been awarded €17,500 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.
Timothy Sheehan, counsel for the boy, told Circuit Court president Mr Justice Matthew Deery that the boy was on a rugby tour from his school in Wales when the accident happened at Dún Laoghaire harbour.
Carl Edwards (17), Penrhiw, Rhostrehwfa, Llangefni, Anglesey, was on his way back by ferry to Wales when he went to the toilet at the harbour. While leaving the toilet, someone entering had slammed the swing door in his face.
Mr Sheehan said Carl's forehead was deeply wounded and he had immediately been taken to hospital. He was detained overnight in Crumlin Children's Hospital and eight stitches were inserted under general anaesthetic.
Dr RW Williams, Anglesey, said in a medical report that Carl sustained a severe injury to his forehead which had left a long permanent disfiguring vertical scar, only part of which was covered by hair.
Mr Sheehan told the court that the defendants, Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company, had offered €14,000 compensation but following a brief adjournment and talks, this had been increased to €17,500.