Castletown man assaulted good friend
Judge Catherine Staines
A CASTLETOWN man with a “very serious drink problem” who assaulted a good female friend and damaged her car has been ordered to pay compensation and engage with treatment for his addiction.
Des Martyn, of The Cottage, Gash, Castletown, committed the offences at The Cottage, Gash on October 31 this year.
Garda evidence outlined that the injured party was in a very distressed state when gardaí arrived at the scene, while Martyn was extremely intoxicated and quite incoherent.
The court heard that the woman had collected Martyn from the town and brought him home, but when they arrived at the house Martyn became abusive and started to push her.
When the woman got back into her car, Martyn thumped the vehicle causing €622 of damage.
The woman made further attempts to get him into the house, but he pushed her again and at one point knocked her over a table. The court heard that he also swung his fist at the woman, but did not connect.
Defence, Mr Declan Breen admitted that his client suffered with a very serious drink problem. Mr Breen said that Martyn had gone to Portlaoise that day and bought bottles of vodka, before he went to Mountrath.
The injured party, who was a very good friend of his, was bringing him home out of the goodness of her heart when the incident happened.
“He regrets it very badly,” said Mr Breen, adding that his client attends the National Learning Network and is on a Fas course.
Judge Catherine Staines ordered a report from Cuan Mhuire addiction centre and she put the matter back to March 7, 2013.
Conditions of Martyn’s bail are that he must abstain from alcohol and he must have no contact with the injured party. The judge also ordered Martyn to start saving €40 a week compensation.
“There’s no money to be spent on drink,” warned the judge.
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Friday 24 May 2013
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