Dublin ‘peacemaker’ convicted of Kerry assault for throwing punch after breaking up fight earlier
The KerrymanA judge convicted a ‘peacemaker’ guilty of punching a man in the face after trying to break up a fight at Tralee District Court.
John O’Brien Merriman (24) of 25 Ballyshannon Avenue, Kilmore West, Dublin 5, pleaded to assault causing harm before Judge David Wates on Wednesday.
A dispute erupted on Castle Street at 1.25am on April 12, 2024 and spilled onto the street, the court heard.
“The defendant went in and became a peacemaker,” Sergeant Detective Chris Manton told the court.
After the fight, one of the men was walking up Castle Street and Mr Merriman walked up and punched him.
“One punch rendered him momentarily unconscious,” said Sgt Det Manton.
The man required three stitches to the back of his head and had a bruised eye.
Solicitor Brendan Ahern said it was clear his client had tried to separate people during the fight.
“After being peacemaker, he did, for some reason, throw a punch,” said the solicitor.
The defendant voluntarily went Tralee Garda Station to be charged and had no previous convictions, the court heard.
He had worked until last month as an apprentice electrician until last month and brought €250 to the court for compensation.
Judge Waters expressed displeasure with the sum, noting the matter had first come before the court in December.
“He’s had nearly 10 months to address this issue,” he said.
He noted such an assault “can and frequently does give rise to very serious consequences” and fined €500 with one day to pay.