2015-01-22
Young GAA player who broke man's jaw during an assault may escape a conviction if he pays compensation
Stage: Sentence
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Solicitor for McGuinness, John Birmingham said the defendant has complied with all orders from the Restorative Justice Programme and that he has had no further attention with the gardai. 'He has €1,000 with him – this is shy of what Mr Butterly is seeking but money is tight at the moment for Mr McGuinness,' Mr Birmingham said, explaining that the defendant earns €450 a week from his banking job and has a mortgage and car repayments to make. 'The incident could be seen as a flash in the pan with serious consequences,' said Mr Birmingham, adding that McGuinness is 'held in high regard; and there He seems to have engaged with the Restorative Justice Programme,' said Judge Dempsey, adding that if the money isn't paid by March 26th he will impose a default order of a conviction and €500 fine.