'There is no excuse for it': Man fined for Christmas Eve Youghal assault

A “conflict over romantic entanglements” was how a defence lawyer described a Christmas Eve assault in Youghal.

20-year-old Corey Lewis of 7 Woodlands Grove, Youghal,, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting another young man in the garden of a house in Youghal on December 24, 2022.

Judge John Martin said: “He was struck a number of times in the back garden of his house — not an ideal way to ring in Christmas Day.

“It might have been described as a crime of passion — a dispute over a young woman. But there is no excuse for it whatsoever.

“(In reference to previous convictions) In 2021 you embroiled yourself in a violent disorder. You might have been getting a taste for violence. I am glad to hear from Garda Murphy you have not come to attention since this incident at Christmas 2022.

“You have manned up and pleaded guilty. You have come to court with €500. I am not entirely convinced it is as much as you could have gathered.

“I am hoping you have turned your life around.

“You accept your role and you are not pointing your finger at the unfortunate injured party.”

Garda Alan Murphy testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the injured party was socialising with friends that evening and was followed home by Corey Lewis, who struck him a number of times in the injured party’s back garden.

The judge imposed a fine of €1,750 to be paid within six months, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

After this was imposed, defence barrister Ronan Barnes said: “Paying that within six months might be difficult.” Judge Martin replied: “It might be. A prison sentence would be more difficult.”