Unprovoked attack in Cork city left victim with tinnitus

Two men who assaulted a man in Cork city in 2023, leaving him with tinnitus, have been handed suspended sentences of three and a half years.

Judge Dermot Sheehan said it was with some reluctance that he was imposing fully suspended sentences for the attack on the injured party, which came out of the blue.

“There seemed to be no reason for the assault other than drink,” Judge Sheehan said. 

Barrister Eugene Manley, representing Emmet Corkery of 4 Fairview, Fairfield Road, Farranree, said the young man had raised €15,000 compensation for the injured party and €2,000 for charity.

Alan O’Dwyer, barrister for co-accused, Evan Lordan, of 17 The View, Glean Na Rí, Tower, Blarney, said his client brought €7,000 compensation to court.

Both men apologised for their actions on the night of the assault. Neither had any previous convictions.

Judge Sheehan said: “I am really concerned about behaviour like this on the streets of Cork when people are under the influence of alcohol or otherwise. Both [defendants] played their part in this assault… they were punching and kicking the unfortunate injured party.”

However, he noted the absence of previous convictions, and he suspended the sentences.

Both men pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm at Oliver Plunkett St on August 7, 2023.