Man who assaulted woman at Cork city GAA club jailed

A 28-year-old man who admitted assaulting a woman at St. Vincent’s GAA club in Cork was sentenced to nine months in prison.

Judge Colin Daly said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, “I must consider it on the basis of gender-based violence,” as he imposed a 12-month sentence on Aaron Magee of Churchfield Green, Churchfield, Cork, with the last three months suspended.

“You might have been very intoxicated and while there may have been a verbal disagreement, this is in no way an excuse. Culpability is high.

“This young woman suffered a physical injured to her forehead. The victim impact statement demonstrates the long-term effect on her,” Judge Daly said.

The judge took account of defence submissions from barrister Abigail Creed who emphasised the fact that Mr Magee made full admissions and had issues with alcohol. 

Ms Creed also referred to the defendant suffering the loss of two close relatives through suicide and the fact that he wrote a letter of apology to the injured party.

Judge Daly acknowledged that the young man appeared to be genuinely remorseful.

Sergeant Senan Dormer investigated the incident on March 20 2022 outside St. Vincent’s GAA club on Blarney Road, Cork.

Mr Magee pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm and related charges.

The injured party and another young woman were chatting outside the GAA club on the night of a Christening party when the defendant got into some verbal interaction with them, following which he picked up a glass and hit her in the head with it.

He also pleaded guilty to obstructing Sergeant Dormer at Blarney Road, Cork.

Two weeks later the defendant came to Gurrabraher garda station and made full admissions.

The young woman said in her victim impact statement that she was extremely self-conscious of the injury in the period afterwards and she said it was been widely discussed in the local community.

She said the only place she found some solace was on the sideline watching matches at St. Vincent’s.

Otherwise she said of the injury that it is the first thing she sees in the morning and the last thing she sees at night. 

She has professional qualifications and is concerned about her appearance when meeting clients and attending meetings.