Boxer pleads guilty to attacking Mannok bosses

CAVAN CIRCUIT COURT

A medal-winning Fermanagh boxer has pleaded guilty to assaulting two local businessmen at a local filling station almost two years ago.

James Bernard McGovern (24) appeared before Judge John Aylmer at Cavan Circuit Court this morning (Thursday) where he entered plea when arraigned on two separate counts on the indictment.

McGovern is charged attacking Kevin Lunney and Dara O'Reilly, causing them harm, at the Apple Green Service Station café at Rakeelan near Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, on February 1, 2019.

Mr Lunney is the chief operating officer at Mannok, formely Quinn Industrial Holdings, which has manufacturing operations on both sides of the border.

Mr O'Reilly is chief financial officer at the same enterprise.

Neither to the two men were present in court today for the arraignment.

McGovern, with an address at Springtown Road, Kinawley, Co Fermanagh, potentially faces up to five years' imprisonment on each count.

He first appeared before the courts in relation to the assault charges after he was arrested on foot of an warrant issued at Cavan District Court back in June 13, 2019.

He was subsequently remanded in custody to Castlerea prison and spent almost five months in custody before successfully applying for High Court bail towards the end of last year.

McGovern, dressed in a navy suit jacket, shirt, tie and trousers, hugged both his parents Sean and Teresa before entering the Cavan courthouse via a side door.

McGovern, who smiled to reporters and camera crews outside, appeared before the sitting represented by Karl Monaghan BL, instructed by John M. Quinn solicitors in Dublin.

McGovern stood facing the judge throughout the hearing and only addressed the court with a plea of “I am guilty” to the charge of assault causing harm to Mr Lunney.

McGovern, also known as Bernard McGovern, also pleaded "not guilty" to assault causing harm to Mr O'Reilly but "guilty" to common assault, contrary to Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act. The court was informed that this plea was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Evidence in relation to the two assaults was provided to the court by Sergeant James McDevitt, with further details outlined from statements taken by prosecution Monica Lawlor BL, instructed by State solicitor Rory Hayden.

CCTV footage of the attack was also shown to the judge.

Legal aid was granted to McGovern in the District Court when the Book of Evidence in the case was served. It was extended to cover the appointment of defence counsel.

It was stated to the court for clarity that McGovern had no involvement in incidents regarding Mr Lunney that occurred in September 2019.

Sentencing in the case against McGovern has been adjourned until next week.

** More to follow **