Courts / Carlow / Report

Man who lost eye in pool ball attack sues pub and assailant

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 4 November 2015, a 48‑year‑old man named Richard Butler sued Joseph Phillips, the pub owner Noel Walker and his son Ken Walker after Butler lost his left eye when struck by a pool ball during an altercation at McSuils public house in Castlehill, Carlow on 17 July 2012. Butler, a former ceramic tiler, was injured after he tried to hold back Phillips, who had been drinking for several hours and was described by Butler as "loud, aggressive and a troublemaker." Butler claims Phillips had threatened to "escape from Shelton Abbey prison" and called himself a member of the IRA. Butler alleges the pub failed to control Phillips, served him alcohol when it was dangerous, and should have evicted him. The pub owners deny the claims, arguing the assault was unforeseeable. Phillips is currently serving a prison sentence for the assault and is representing himself in the action.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who lost eye in pool ball attack sues pub and assailant. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 17th, 2012 Incident
• 2015-11-04 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report