A 48-year-old man who took part in a vicious attack on a Cork father of six in which a giant "X" was carved on the victim's back with a knife was sentenced to three years' imprisonment yesterday.
Patrick Hogan, from Mayfield, Cork city, had previously pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John O'Carroll on March 21st, 2000. Cork Circuit Criminal Court was told that Mr O'Carroll needed more than 150 stitches following the assault by Patrick Hogan, his brother, William, and several other unidentified man.
The attack arose from an argument between Mr O'Carroll and Patrick Hogan in a pub on March 20th, 2000.
Shortly before 1 a.m., the victim was at home when there was a knock at the front door. When he answered the door, he was confronted by a gang of men.
The defendant's brother, William Hogan, attacked Mr O'Carroll with a Stanley knife, slashing a large "X" on his back. William Hogan is currently serving 12 years for his role in the attack.
Patrick Hogan apologised in court yesterday to Mr O'Carroll. He claimed that he only became involved because "drugs were thrown into his drink" that night.