Court Hears Offaly Linesman Regrets Assault On Match Official

Photo Credit: Irish Independent/Liam Cosgrove

Joseph Scully pleaded guilty to assault earlier this year.

An Offaly linesman who punched a fellow match official says he "absolutely regrets" his actions.

42 year old Joseph Scully of Meadowbrook, Birr, left his victim with a swollen jaw after the incident in Athlone last year.

Mr Scully pleaded guilty to assault causing harm earlier this year.

The Irish Independent is reporting his defence solicitor questioned aspects of the State's evidence around dental issues the victim experienced after the attack, suggesting the incident merely acted as a "catalyst in the presentation of underlying issues".

Judge Susan Fay responded, "you take your victim as you find them".

The court heard Mr Scully's conduct was down to a "one off instinctive reaction" and he "absolutely regrets" it to this day.

He had been recently widowed, had no previous convictions to his name, and brought two thousand euro to court for compensation.

Judge Susan Fay said the case was a "very serious matter".

She remanded Scully on continuing bail to a sitting of Athlone District Court on September 9 for the preparation of a restorative justice report.

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