A man who hit his friend on the head and chest with a hammer has been given a two-year suspended sentence by Judge Kevin Haugh. Joseph Daly (41), who has a partner and nine-year-old child, of Balcurris Road, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on Mr Nicholas Keating (50), on August 22nd, 1997.
Det Sgt Matt Murphy told the court yesterday that Mr Keating was still friendly with Daly and did not want to see him in jail. They had made up their differences.
Judge Haugh remarked that Daly was full of drink on the night and clearly lost his head.
Det Sgt Murphy said Daly was remorseful from the start and waited with his victim for the ambulance to arrive.