Man headbutted after getting off late-night bus in East Cork town

A young man got off a bus in Youghal at around midnight only to be followed by another passenger who headbutted him into the nose before the victim had an opportunity to defend himself.

A sentence of three years has now been imposed on Jonathan O’Leary of Blackwater Heights, Youghal, Co Cork, as a result of this and other offences he committed in the area. The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge of assault causing harm.

He had an 18-month suspended sentence hanging over him from a previous offence of assault causing harm. Activation of that sentence was triggered by the more recent offending.

As well as attacking the bus passenger, Jonathan O’Leary also pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine. Garda Martin Murphy testified that on February 17, 2023, €980 worth of cocaine was found at a premises in North Main St, Youghal, together with weighing scales and deal bags.

Jonathan O’Leary made full admissions to having the cocaine for sale or supply to others.

Then on December 10, 2023, on a late night bus, the victim had finished work and was returning to Youghal. There was some interaction on the bus where the defendant, who was with a woman, appeared to be intoxicated.

Followed

The injured party was conscious of being followed when he got off the bus in Youghal.

“He was headbutted in the nose by Jonathan O’Leary. The lady with him was trying to pull him off. Video stills from CCTV were viewed and the accused was identified as he was known to gardaí in Youghal.

The injured party sustained a fracture to the small finger on his right hand and bruising to his nose.

Alan O’Dwyer, defence barrister, submitted that the injured party has recovered quite well and that the defendant had met him a number of times since and apologised to him.

“He got into a foolish skirmish that resulted in the injured party suffering an injury to his finger and a bloody nose but fortunately nothing more serious,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

The barrister outlined details of serious health issues, for which the defendant is presently receiving treatment.

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed custodial sentences which effectively total three years.