Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
    • Sport

      Sadness at passing of well known Letterkenny…

      11 hours ago

      Football

      Glasgow lad with Falcarragh roots signs pro…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Harper finishes second in LOI mascot…

      13 hours ago

      Athletics

      Brendan Boyce gears up for World Championships

      14 hours ago

      Athletics

      Brendan Boyce gears up for World Championships

      14 hours ago

      Athletics

      Finn Valley duo among Irish athletes selected…

      2 days ago

      Athletics

      Lifford-Strabane AC duo to captain Irish schools…

      4 days ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny AC athletes compete on national and…

      6 days ago

      Boxing

      Disappointment for Donegal boxers in Cadet finals

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Another victory for Brett McGinty in England

      1 month ago

      Boxing

      Venue swap for Brett McGinty fight next…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Donegal boxers claim Ulster 9 County titles…

      2 months ago

      Football

      Glasgow lad with Falcarragh roots signs pro…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Harper finishes second in LOI mascot…

      13 hours ago

      Football

      Cache Crumlish bags another hat-trick for Sion…

      15 hours ago

      Football

      Letterkenny Rovers Football for All receive new…

      17 hours ago

      GAA

      Armagh footballer hit with six-month suspension following…

      2 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal heavy 28th Infantry Battalion win in…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal U16s beaten in All-Ireland ‘B’ semi-final

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Venue confirmed for Donegal’s All-Ireland quarter-final against…

      4 days ago

      Golf

      Ryan Griffin to represent Ireland at World…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club host society game

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Prize fund of €3,000 for Urris GAA…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Paddy McDaid secures fifth Donegal ETB Golfer…

      3 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Luke Witherow makes senior debut for…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Four Donegal players named in Ireland hockey…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe go down fighting

      3 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe lose out in crucial relegation…

      3 months ago

      Hurling

      Pictures: Superb MacCumhaills reach Féile na nGael…

      5 days ago

      GAA

      Match Report – Casey inspires Tyrone in…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      Mickey McCann reacts to heartbreaking defeat to…

      2 months ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal hurlers miss out on another…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Welchtown and Donoughmore NS win at Finn…

      3 weeks ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny girls play in front of huge…

      1 month ago

      Rugby

      Donegal girls feature for Ulster in provincial…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Last gasp drop goal clinches dramatic Gordon…

      2 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
Sunday 16°CMonday 14°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

  • News
  • Sport
    • Sport

      Sadness at passing of well known Letterkenny…

      11 hours ago

      Football

      Glasgow lad with Falcarragh roots signs pro…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Harper finishes second in LOI mascot…

      13 hours ago

      Athletics

      Brendan Boyce gears up for World Championships

      14 hours ago

      Athletics

      Brendan Boyce gears up for World Championships

      14 hours ago

      Athletics

      Finn Valley duo among Irish athletes selected…

      2 days ago

      Athletics

      Lifford-Strabane AC duo to captain Irish schools…

      4 days ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny AC athletes compete on national and…

      6 days ago

      Boxing

      Disappointment for Donegal boxers in Cadet finals

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Another victory for Brett McGinty in England

      1 month ago

      Boxing

      Venue swap for Brett McGinty fight next…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Donegal boxers claim Ulster 9 County titles…

      2 months ago

      Football

      Glasgow lad with Falcarragh roots signs pro…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Watch: Harper finishes second in LOI mascot…

      13 hours ago

      Football

      Cache Crumlish bags another hat-trick for Sion…

      15 hours ago

      Football

      Letterkenny Rovers Football for All receive new…

      17 hours ago

      GAA

      Armagh footballer hit with six-month suspension following…

      2 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal heavy 28th Infantry Battalion win in…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Donegal U16s beaten in All-Ireland ‘B’ semi-final

      3 days ago

      GAA

      Venue confirmed for Donegal’s All-Ireland quarter-final against…

      4 days ago

      Golf

      Ryan Griffin to represent Ireland at World…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club host society game

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Prize fund of €3,000 for Urris GAA…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Paddy McDaid secures fifth Donegal ETB Golfer…

      3 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Luke Witherow makes senior debut for…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Four Donegal players named in Ireland hockey…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe go down fighting

      3 months ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe lose out in crucial relegation…

      3 months ago

      Hurling

      Pictures: Superb MacCumhaills reach Féile na nGael…

      5 days ago

      GAA

      Match Report – Casey inspires Tyrone in…

      2 months ago

      GAA

      Mickey McCann reacts to heartbreaking defeat to…

      2 months ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal hurlers miss out on another…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Welchtown and Donoughmore NS win at Finn…

      3 weeks ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny girls play in front of huge…

      1 month ago

      Rugby

      Donegal girls feature for Ulster in provincial…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Last gasp drop goal clinches dramatic Gordon…

      2 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
News

Man (22) jailed for serious assault which destroyed victim’s life

written by Stephen Maguire July 21, 2016
Facebook0Tweet0LinkedIn0Print0

COURTS: A 22 year-old man has been jailed for one year for a serious assault which completely turned the life of his victim upside down.

Sean Sylvia, 22, was jailed for two years, but had the final year of his sentence replaced with a 240 hour community service order.

The defendant appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court today in relation to an incident which occurred on June 23rd, 2014.

The co-accused in the incident – Francie McGinley was also sentenced to two years in prison, but had his term replaced by a 240 hour community service order.

During his deliberations, Judge John O’Hagan outlined the circumstances of the case, which had turned the life of the victim upside down.

The victim, Patrick McFadden, a married man with four children, was left with no sense of smell, no taste and is unlikely to be able to work again.

untitled (1803)

Judge O’Hagan said, “At 2.30am, on June 23rd, 2014 – the defendants Sean Sylvia and Francie McGinley went to The Mount Errigal Hotel.

“There was a prize-giving ceremony and a bit of a knees up going on for the Donegal International Rally, the victim Patrick McFadden was heavily involved with the Rally and he enjoyed it very much.

“The evidence would suggest that he appeared to bump or strike into Mr McGinley’s sister with a door, the defendant took exception to that, and along with his friend Mr Sylvia followed Mr McFadden.

“The victim was going to the toilet, but the defendants waited outside for him – and when he came out of the toilet he was immediately confronted by Mr McGinley.

“He got to grips with Mr McFadden and he struck him, he didn’t fall from that punch, but his friend Mr Sylvia proceeded to get involved and also struck Patrick McFadden, this was a serious, serious blow to the head and knocked him to the ground, the victim hit his head off the ground, and suffered extremely serious injuries as a result of the punch.

“Mr Sylvia then proceeded to assault the brother of Patrick McFadden, and then both of you ‘took flight’ after the assault and fled the scene, despite attempts from those present to keep you both there.”

Judge O’Hagan informed the court that both men were just 20 at the time of the incident, and both were heavily under the influence of alcohol.

Both had never been in trouble before, and had no previous convictions.

He then outlined the consequences of the injuries sustained by Mr McFadden.

Judge O’Hagan said, “Mr McFadden has no sense of smell or taste, he has severe fatigue, and his speech gets severely affected when he is tired.

“He receives constant therapy to help him with his speech, he also suffers from severe mood swings due to his condition, and this has turned his family life upside down.

“His wife and children are finding it hard to cope, his fourth child arrived just seven weeks after the assault, and he’s had great difficultly making a connection with the child due to his condition.

“He finds social interaction difficult – will more than likely be unable to work properly again, and sums up his condition by saying, ‘I feel like I’m trying to live with a brain that belongs to a stranger.”

The court heard how both men were extremely co-operative with Gardaí during the investigation and were shocked when shown the CCTV footage of the incident.

Judge O’Hagan said he had not seen the CCTV footage – as it wasn’t introduced in court, but he assumed that he also would’ve been shocked if he had seen the content.

In sentencing Francie McGinley he said, “You got the ball rolling, you were the aggressor, you deliberately followed Mr McFadden after the minor incident involving your sister.

“The mitigating factors are, your very early plea – which saved the state a lot of money, and it also ensured the McFadden family didn’t have to go through the added of pain of proving there was an assault.

“From your probation report they believe there is no risk of you re-offending, and you’ve no previous convictions, there are some complimentary references here on your behalf, and you seemed to have picked up your life and moved on with it.

What happened was extremely serious, and the consequences of it are dreadful for Mr McFadden and his family, but the blow you gave Mr McFadden wasn’t the one that caused the damage.

“I’m sentencing you to two years in prison, but I’m replacing the term with 240 hours of community service.

In sentencing Mr Sylvia he said, “The amount of drink you consumed was remarkable, your behaviour was reckless and impulsive, the mitigating factors in this are your early plea and the fact your probation report states that you’re unlikely to re-offend again.

“Your probation report states you’ve shown genuine remorse for the assault and that you were shocked when you viewed the incident on CCTV.

“You’ve also received complimentary references on your behalf, but I can’t avoid giving you a custodial sentence.

“For someone who has never been in trouble before this is a very serious matter, you’ll be in prison with far more serious criminals than you, this will remain with you for life – and it will seriously restrict your ability to move about this world.

“I know this won’t relieve or take away the pain Mr McFadden has, and it’s not revenge I seek, it’s punishment for what has been done.

“I sentence you to two years in prison, but the second year will be replaced with a 240 hour community service order.

“I also want to extend my sympathies to the McFadden for the difficulties this incident has caused their family.”

Man (22) jailed for serious assault which destroyed victim’s life was last modified: July 20th, 2016 by Stephen Maguire
Facebook0Tweet0LinkedIn0Print0

Tags:
assaultcourtsFrancie McGinleyhone-page NewsjailedMount Errigal HotelPatrick McFaddenSean Sylvia
Stephen Maguire

Stephen Maguire is the co-founder of Donegal Daily. He has worked as a reporter for almost 30 years starting locally with the Donegal Peoples Press before moving to the Mirror Group. He continues to contribute daily to national media outlets including the Irish Times, RTE, the Irish Independent, Irish Sun, Irish Mirror, Irish Star, the Daily Mail and the Examiner.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

National: Man in critical condition following assault...

11 hours ago

Sadness at passing of well known Letterkenny...

11 hours ago

Picture Special: Scoil Mhuire Buncrana 50th Reunion...

12 hours ago

Donegal community sector workers vote to join...

13 hours ago

‘Fit and able-bodied people’ should walk to...

14 hours ago

Electric Ireland to raise gas and electricity...

15 hours ago

Young wheelchair-bound mother wishes ‘that night never...

16 hours ago

Crowds gathering for return of Buncrana Music...

16 hours ago

Watch: Shaun Patton pleads to public to...

16 hours ago

Huge crowds at Letterkenny and Inishowen MICA...

16 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

MOST POPULAR

Donegal County Council
Advertisement

Sport Hub

  • Stay up to date with Donegal Sport Hub on Facebook

    6 months ago
  • Donegal links rank in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

    7 months ago
  • Bundoran 10 Event set for March 2022

    7 months ago
See More

Donegal Woman

  • What’s On: Earagail Arts Festival fun for all the family this July (plus lots of FREE events)

    1 day ago
  • Donegal singer pens ‘Sarah’s Song’ in memory of a dear friend

    2 days ago
  • My top 10 summer styles at Stevens Jewellers

    3 days ago
See More

Columnists

Healthy Living - Sorcha McElchar

Eight ways to reduce food wastage and save money – Sorchas Healthy Living

2 days ago

Group Holidays - Travel Department

Save up to €475pp on a trip of a lifetime to Australia and New Zealand!

3 days ago

Motoring - Brian McDaid

‘Daddy’s Girl’ Eilish Sweeney recalls memories of her father Hughie Conaghan

4 days ago

At Home with Hegarty's - Hegarty's Home Interiors

At Home with Hegarty’s: Enjoy easy seating with lift and rise chairs

6 days ago

Career Advice - Rory White

Career Guidance with Rory White: Choosing your senior cycle subjects? Keep your options open!

3 months ago

See All Columnists
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2022 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.

Posting....