Man Admits Random Midlands Train Station Assault To “Get The Venom Out”

Tuesday, 20 October 2026 14:52

Photo credit: Irish Independent/Liam Cosgrove

Barra O’Tuama is admitting guilt to charges of assault and engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour.

A man accused of assaulting a fellow train passenger in Westmeath said his attack was motivated by a desire to "get the venom out".

The Irish Independent is reporting 65 year old Barra O'Tuama is pleading guilty to charges of assault and using threatening or abusive behaviour in an incident described in court as a completely "random act of violence".

Gardaí were called to Athlone Train Station on April 17th this year, to respond to reports of a man being struck a number of times in the face by Mr O'Tuama.

Athlone District Court heard there was no interaction between the two before the violent assault, and when questioned by Gardaí, the accused said his victim was completely innocent.

His defence pointed to a life spent with schizophrenia and the lack of a criminal record.

O’Tuama is now remanded on continuing bail and ordered to return to a sitting of Athlone District Court on February 24th next year with €300 in compensation to go to his victim or a charity of his choosing.