A web designer who knocked a man unconscious during a row in Dublin nightclub, has been been ordered to pay €2,500 compensation.
Rory Sturdy (35), from Rathflesk, Co Meath but now living and working in Geneva, Switzerland, was remanded on bail pending sentence by Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court.
He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man who suffered temporary hearing loss following a brawl at the Everleigh Gardens nightclub on Harcourt Street on September 29th last year.
Garda Sergeant Peter Seery said Sturdy started talking to the victim's girlfriend and knocked the man's drink from his hand. Sturdy was asked to pay to replace it, but refused and the victim then knocked over his drink.
Sturdy lunged at him hitting him on his left ear, brought him to the ground and “continued to punch him in the head”.
The court heard the victim, who did not have to give evidence, suffered a loss of consciousness and was taken to hospital.
He suffered a cut to his left ear, temporary hearing loss, as well as bruising to his left eye and cheek. Garda Sgt Seery also said the victim has made a full recovery and Sturdy has no prior criminal convictions.
Judge Walsh noted the incident happened at 4.10am and said the IT worker, “should have been at home in bed at that time”.
Defence solicitor Stephen O’Mahony told Judge Walsh that Sturdy accepts he “threw the first blow, one punch and they ended up on the ground in a scuffle”. He was clearly very intoxicated and accepted he was in the wrong, but “does wish to say there were two of them in it”, his solicitor said.
As testimonials were handed in, the defence pleaded for leniency.
Mr O’Mahony asked the court to note it was Sturdy’s first offence, “a once-off”, and that he had travelled back from Switzerland for the case.
The lawyer said it was not known if it has been canvassed whether or not compensation was sought by the victim, to show Sturdy’s remorse. Judge Walsh agreed “that would go along way to make some retribution” and it should be explored.
Adjourning sentencing he said the sum he had in mind was €2,500.