Prison for Louth man who kicked victim on the ground outside pub

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A man who was involved in an attack on a couple outside a licensed premises when he kicked a male on the ground has been jailed for 12 months.

Seán Schiavone, Fernwood, Red Barns Road, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm at Park Street, Dundalk on September 14, 2021. A charge of committing violent disorder was taken into consideration.

The circuit court previously heard how the victims had left a pub when the defendant asked the woman for a cigarette.

There was some conversation between them when a female co-accused approached and began shouting at the woman, before slapping her in the face.

The woman’s partner stood between them. The couple ended up on the ground. Mr Schiavone kicked the man who was knocked unconscious.

The defendant had 27 previous convictions. He had €3,000 as a token of his remorse.

A probation report stated that he was at moderate risk of reoffending. He worked full-time as a painter and decorator.

Mr Schiavone previously abused substances but no longer took them. He continued to drink alcohol socially.

Judge Dara Hayes said that it was an unprovoked attack outside a pub. The victim had been severely beaten.

A two-and-a-half year sentence was imposed, the final 18 months suspended on conditions including that the defendant place himself on 12 months Probation Service supervision post release.