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No jail for attacker who left victim with permanent vision impairment
Summary
Paddy McCarthy, 35, pleaded guilty to assaulting former cabin crew member Glen Verdun on 30 July 2016 at a Subway store in Dublin. McCarthy, intoxicated, entered the store early in the morning, shouted at Verdun when the latter asked for space, was escorted out, returned, and punched Verdun on the right side of his face. The blow caused Verdun to fall and sustain a broken eye socket, leading to permanent vision impairment, double vision, and the loss of his pilot career. McCarthy had no prior convictions. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, noting the single punch and McCarthy's remorse, imposed 240 hours of community service instead of a prison term. Verdun suffered surgery, an eight‑month sick leave from Ryanair, and a €9,000 financial loss. McCarthy had raised €15,000 in compensation for Verdun. The court heard McCarthy's father had been a disciplinarian and that McCarthy had been caring for him at the time of the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for attacker who left victim with permanent vision impairment. Charges or matters: assaulting Glen Verdun causing harm on July 30, 2016 at a Subway store on Wexford Street, Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 30, 2016 Incident
- 2018-12-19 Publication
Why: The court heard Mr Verdun has since had to change careers and give up his long term ambition of becoming a pilot because his sight has been permanently impaired from the assault. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: assaulting Glen Verdun causing harm on July 30, 2016 at a Subway store on Wexford Street, Dublin (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Noting that a probation report placed McCarthy at a low risk of re-offending, she ordered McCarthy to carry out 240 hours of community service work in lieu of this prison term.
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