The judge also ordered that €30,000 goes in restitution to the man's family.
A carpenter who inflicted a "catastrophic" brain injury on a devoted family man with a single blow during a drunken assault in Mullingar has been jailed for seven years.
60 year old Paul Earley, of Donearl House, Meedin, Tyrellspass, in Westmeath, pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Thomas Maher on Patrick Street in the Westmeath town on January 7th last year.
A packed courtroom at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, heard yesterday that Earley, had about 11 pints in various establishments and was "well sauced".
After having an interaction with Mr Maher in the toilets, he followed him outside.
Judge Keenan Johnson noted from video evidence Earley made a beeline for the victim and used "massive force" when he either headbutted or pushed the victim.
He described it as a tragic case that left Mr Maher "a prisoner in his own body" after the unprovoked vicious assault.
The charge can carry a life sentence.
He held this case warranted a sentence of nine years and six months.
However, considering the mitigating factors, including lack of prior convictions, remorse and his early guilty plea, he reduced it to seven years imprisonment.
He ordered that €30,000 offered by Earley as restitution goes to the Maher family.
Mr Maher remains bedridden or in a wheelchair in a high-support facility, requiring round-the-clock care.
Unable to speak, stand or recognise his family, he is fed by a tube.
Earley, a father of three , pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Maher.
In a victim impact statement, Tina Maher said her life ended on the night of the attack.
His heartbroken family said Mr Maher, who they visit constantly, was now a "shell" of the man they knew.
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