Courts / Dublin / Report

Company owner 'saw red' and attacked fellow yacht club member over billiards refereeing abilities

Date
2024-07-30

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a billiards tournament at the Royal St George Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire on 29 September 2023, 70‑year‑old software company owner Steven Gillman felt his refereeing abilities were belittled by a fellow club member. In a fit of anger, Gillman punched the victim repeatedly in the face, then again after the victim fell. The assault caused the victim a fractured eye socket, a dislocated eye lens, and ongoing medical issues including double vision and tinnitus. Gillman pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm. He has no prior convictions and was described by his defence counsel as a "model citizen." He has since resigned from the yacht club, paid €5,000 as a token of remorse, and is awaiting a probation report. The court adjourned the matter to 24 November, noting that a higher sum of €15,000 would be more appropriate.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Company owner 'saw red' and attacked fellow yacht club member over billiards refereeing abilities. Charges or matters: one count of assault causing harm to the club member at the yacht club at Harbour Road, Dun Laoghaire on September 29 last year. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 29 Incident
November 24 Adjournment
2024-07-30 Publication

Why: Judge Elma Sheahan said that because Gillman has no previous convictions and has lived a pro-social life to the age of 70, a probation report was required in the case. CNI source report

Case subjects

Steven Gillman

Defendant

Charges: one count of assault causing harm to the club member at the yacht club at Harbour Road, Dun Laoghaire on September 29 last year (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She adjourned the matter to November 24.