A MAN with a string of previous convictions, has been given a six month suspended sentence for assaulting an 83-year-old Fahan man.
Alan Thompson, 30, of 533 Curragh, Killygordon, appeared before Buncrana District Court where he faced charges of assault causing harm against Michael Bradley at Lisfannon on April 9, 2015.
He was also charged with attempting to rob Mr. Bradley, the unlawful taking of a car and intoxication at the same location on the same date.
Thompson pleaded guilty to all of the charges before him in Buncrana Court last Thursday.
The court heard that Mr. Bradley had been tending to his land at Lisfannon when Thompson and another man tried to steal his car from him.
Inspector David Murphy said when Mr. Bradley refused to hand over his keys, the two men beat him up and stole the keys from him, however they were unable to get his car started.
Insp. Murphy said the incident was witnessed by two local garage men and they gave chase to the two men, contacting Gardaí in the process. When the Gardaí arrived they found Thompson at the entrance to the Lisfannon Business Park.
Insp. Murphy said Thompson was intoxicated and became aggressive and started shouting when he saw the Gardaí.
The second man, involved in the incident, ‘made his escape’, according to Insp. Murphy, adding that Gardaí are still seeking him in relation to the matter.
Under interview, Insp. Murphy said Thompson attributed his behaviour to his level of intoxication.
“He admitted his behaviour was wrong and said he was sorry,” added Insp. Murphy.
He said Thompson had a ‘considerable number of previous convictions’, adding that he has previously served prison sentences for dangerous driving and been banned from driving for twenty years.
Insp. Murphy said Thompson also had a previous conviction from the Central Criminal Court for which he received a five-year jail sentence.
Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client had difficulties in gaining employment due to his previous conviction, which he added he was ‘reminded about on a daily basis’ within his local area.
He said Thompson wanted to improve his life and had recently taken up a hairdressing course in Strabane.
Mr. Gallagher said his client had brought €400 to court and consented to the €500 cash bail being used for compensation for Mr. Bradley.
After reading the probation and medical report, Judge Paul Kelly said Thompson admitted his ‘wrongdoing and was remorseful’ towards his victim.
He said that Mr. Bradley submitted a ‘very brief’ victim impact statement.
“He said he had a cut to his right eye and had a black eye. He said he had a stiff neck and had trouble sleeping for four weeks,” said Judge Kelly.
“He [Mr. Bradley] is clearly a man who doesn’t want to make a song and dance about his injuries. This was obviously a very frightening appalling experience for this poor man,” added Judge Kelly
Judge Kelly gave Thompson a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, for the section three assault charge. He ordered Thompson to keep the peace for the two year period and comply with the orders of the probation service.
He took the remaining charges into consideration and ordered that €900 compensation be paid to the injured party, Mr. Bradley.