Courts / Monaghan / Report

Musician tells court there is 'no escape from torture' after vicious assault

Date
2022-11-02

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Castleblayney

Summary

Eugene Hanratty Senior, aged 63, of Castleblayney Road, Crossmaglen, Armagh, was convicted by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following trial of assault causing harm committed at Castleblayney, County Monaghan on 24 November 2012. The victim, a musician, delivered a detailed impact statement describing severe and ongoing injuries sustained during the assault, including multiple facial fractures, permanent vision loss, and facial nerve damage requiring surgical intervention. He outlined how these injuries have fundamentally impaired his ability to read musical notation and continue causing chronic pain and sensory complications. The victim's wife, who witnessed the incident, has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Detective Garda evidence described a sustained attack occurring both within and outside a vehicle. Hanratty had claimed self-defence, which the jury rejected. Sentencing was adjourned to 8 November pending further garda cross-examination and mitigation submissions from the defence. The case reached verdict following two previous trials, the first resulting in disagreement and the second being discharged.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Musician tells court there is 'no escape from torture' after vicious assault. Procedural stage: trial

When:

November 24, 2012 Incident
November 8 Adjournment
October 2016 Adjournment
2022-11-02 Publication

Why: She described asking Hanratty Snr to stop because she was concerned if the assault continued the injuries would be fatal for her husband. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed man

Convicted Person

Outcome: Judge Greally adjourned the sentencing to November 8 next when Padraig Dwyer SC, defending, will cross-examine the garda and address the court by way of plea in mitigation.