Cork court: Father who punched teenage son in the head while drunk avoids jail

A 37-year-old man who punched his own teenaged son in the head in a drunken attack at the family home expressed deep remorse for his actions and said of his time drinking – “All it does is destroy”.

Now at an in camera hearing at Cork District Court Judge Mary Dorgan said of his remorse, “That is very very important.” 

Addressing the accused at the sentencing hearing, the judge said, “Nobody wants to be hit by their father.” 

The accused said, “I know that, Judge.” 

After his solicitor Frank Buttimer made submissions on his behalf, the accused man then spoke directly to the judge, telling her that after nine years sober he reacted very badly to a death in the family: “I lost myself. I dived into a bottle. I dived into drugs. I am a good person. I was clean and sober for nine years. I could not cope (following the death). I am back on track.” 

Judge Dorgan said she would impose a sentence of six months suspended on condition that he keeps the peace for two years and also put him on a 12-month probation bond.

The judge said that the probation report on the accused was very helpful.

The background to the incident was that on September 28 2024 he breached his partner’s interim barring order by going to her home. Their 19-year-old son was present at home and he punched his son in the head and kicked him a couple of times.

The injured party did not attend for medical attention and made a full recovery.

Mr Buttimer said of the accused, “Everything is back on track – he is sober and working.” 

The suspended sentence was imposed on him for breaching the interim barring order and assault.

The accused said, “Thank you very very much, Judge.”