A bricklayer who knocked out a Garda celebrating a stag night has avoided prison with a suspended sentence.
Thug James McCarthy launched the unprovoked attack on off-duty cop Shane O’Connor at a bar in Cork, a court heard.
But McCarthy received an 18 month suspended sentence for the assault, meaning he won’t spend a day in prison.
The construction worker, from Mount Agnes Road in Cork, had pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Soho on Grand Parade on June 17, 2018.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that McCarthy, 34, got into an argument with one of the off duty Garda’s friends and took exception to what this man said.
Mr O’Connor had nothing to do with the exchange of words but as it escalated he intervened to calm the situation.
Det Sgt Shane Bergin told Judge Sean O’Donnabhain that McCarthy “misread the situation and punched him (O’Connor) in the face”.
McCarthy, who had no previous convictions, left the bar/nightclub.
But the incident was captured on CCTV and he was later identified. When arrested by gardai McCarthy admitted assaulting Mr O’Connor.
He sustained a 4cm cut to his face in the incident, needed six stitches and has a permanent scar.
He woke up in hospital to be told that he could have a bleed on the brain and that “plastics will be along later for a scar on your face”.
The Garda was out of work for a few weeks. Headaches are an issue for him since the assault.
However, he has made a successful recovery from his injuries.
McCarthy has paid €8,500 to the Garda in compensation. He has also apologised for his actions.
Judge O’Donnabhain sentenced McCarthy to 18 months in prison.
However, he suspended the entirety of the sentence on condition that McCarthy keeps the peace and is of good behaviour for 18 months.
