Published: Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 5:00pm

Judge seeks probation report on defendant

A Cootehill man who appeared before Cavan District Court on two assault charges and causing damage to seven vehicles to the amount of €1,150 had his case put back so that a Probation Report can be submitted.

Dean Smith, 105 Drumnaveil, Cootehill, was charged with assaulting Anthony McGibney, at the White Horse Hotel, Market Street, Cootehill, on April 3 last and Enda Mulvey at the White Horse Hotel on April 11, as well as damaging the wing mirrors of seven cars to the value of €1,150 at Cavan Street, Cootehill, on May 23.

Inspector Seamus Boyle said in relation to the criminal damage charge, a number of vehicles were parked outside their homes on Cavan Road and the defendant smashed the wing mirrors of seven of them.

On April 3, Anthony McGibney had been at a friend's house and he decided to go to the disco in the White Horse Hotel. He went up to purchase his ticket and met the defendant. Words were exchanged and Smith head butted Mr. McGibney, busting his nose. He then hit him a box on the nose full force.

Mr. McGibney's nose bled for about 20 minutes. When questioned, the defendant denied he struck Mr. McGibney at any time.

Garda Vincent Connell was on duty on April 11 when he noticed the defendant outside the disco. Two people were having a row, one of whom was a friend of Smith's. The friend was knocked to the ground and the defendant got involved and assaulted Enda Mulvey.

On November 1, 2009, again at Market Street the defendant was arguing and shouting abuse. Garda Paul Fee spoke to him and directed him to go home. Later he spoke to the defendant who was shouting on the street.

John Quigley, solicitor defending, said his client was going through a bad patch at that time. He had an alcohol problem and was living away from home.

The defendant had since moved back home and his family were looking after him. Mr. Quigley said he had €2,000 in court by way of compensation.

Judge David Anderson directed that the money go to the victims whose cars had been damaged. He would seek a Probation Report on the defendant to determine what penalty to impose and adjourned the proceedings until October 21.