Ajibola Ajala gets suspended sentence for nightclub assault

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Ajibola Ajala received a suspended two-year jail sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Gary Doran. The assault happened at the Wright Venue nightclub in Swords on 17 December 2011. The proceedings were reported on 22 January 2016.

Judge Patrick McCartan suspended the sentence on condition that Ajala pay €5,000 to Doran within six months. He warned Ajala that failing to pay within that time or getting into trouble in the next two years could result in him being jailed.

Doran suffered a fractured jaw and head injuries requiring nine staples. The court heard that he continued to suffer jaw pain, anxiety and problems with his confidence. Ajala told gardaí the head injuries were caused by a fist, but the judge rejected that explanation after examining photographs.

Defence counsel Patrick Jackson BL said Ajala reacted after a drink was thrown at him and that there was no evidence he was involved in groping Doran’s cousin. Ajala told gardaí he did not know who threw the drink. The court heard there was “no reason whatsoever” for the attack.

Counsel also cited Ajala’s very difficult childhood, lack of previous trouble in Ireland and efforts to find employment.