Three people have been given three-year suspended sentences after being found guilty of violent disorder in connection with a fracas preceding the death of Lars Forsmark - a Swedish-born trader living in New Ross, Co Wexford.
Anthony O'Leary of 57 Bosheen Estate; Raymond Kelly of 12 Brandon Park and Ian Bolger of 33 Nunnery Lane were among six people from the town who pleaded not guilty to violent disorder. The other three were acquitted following deliberations lasting more than a day-and-a-half.
Judge Patrick McCartan said the defendants "were convicted by the jury on very serious charges".
"The end result of what occurred led to the death of a young man who travelled from afar to this country."
He said it was sad to think of a young life "sentenced to death" at such a young stage. He commended the jury saying it was "not hard to see how they came to their conclusion".
While no particular injury caused Mr Forsmark's death. Judge McCartan said: "Each of the three accused found guilty by the jury stand responsible for everything that occurred." He also acknowledged that alcohol had played a part in his death.
He noted however, the character references given to the defendants by gardai during the trial and that they were previously of good behaviour.
He also ordered that all the defendants donate €2,500 to the Victims' Support Group suggesting that such a gesture would be an adequate means of paying tribute to Mr Forsmark . He also ordered that each of the defendants enter into a bond of €1,000 to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
Jason Murphy, who pleaded guilty to affray, in relation to the incident was given a 12-month suspended sentence. Judge McCartan noted his early guilty plea in sentencing. "His plea reflects genuine remorse," he said.