A 46-year-old man who assaulted a 43-year-old man who has since been reported missing received a suspended sentence when his case was heard at Trim District Court. Vincent Fanning of Millgate, Millerstown, Kilcock was charged with assaulting Mark Duffy with intent to cause bodily harm at a car park at St Mary’s Credit Union, Kennedy Road, Navan contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 as amended by Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2008.
Detective Garda Paul Cullen told the court that Mr Duffy has been missing since late 2022. On the date in question before the court CTTV footage (played in court) showed Mark Duffy being assaulted by the defendant. Mr Duffy had been punched twice in the face. The defendant had 26 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. In 2012 he had been convicted of assault causing harm and had received a suspended prison sentence.
Defending barrister James O’Brien said the Gardai would have had difficulty prosecuting the case but for the fact that his client had identified himself to Gardai in the CCTV footage. Judge Eirinn McKiernan imposed a two-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
