Donegal man told to borrow funds to compensate assault victim

A Judge has told a Donegal man to borrow money if necessary in order to pay compensation to a man he assaulted.

Sean Connaughton was before Letterkenny District Court on Monday

Connaughton is charged in relation to an assault on on September 23, 2019 at the Banjo Tavern in Castlefin. Connaughton is the former licensee of the premises.

In February 2022, Connaughton pleaded guilty and was later ordered to pay his victim €5,500.

In court this week, solicitor Ms Alison Parke said Connaughton was having trouble coming up with the money.

Ms Parke said Connaughton was due to start a job in April, but a pending case to be heard at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) means that payment of compensation 'may be unrealistic.

Ms Parke said the case was previously adjourned to monitor Connaughton's financial position and suggested that the issue be adjourned until after the CCJ matter is dealt with. This, she said, was due to proceed in May.

Judge Deirdre Gearty said the matter had been aound for a long time'. “Why isn't the defendant dealing with this?” Judge Gearty asked.

“Circumstances may change, depending on what happens in the CCJ,” Ms Parke said.

“How long is a piece of string?” Judge Gearty said. “Perhaps he could borrow from family and pay them back. That would get it finalised before the CCJ. That would be wholesome and healthy.”

Ms Parke said her client did not have the means to pay the compensation and Judge Gearty adjourned the case until April 17, 2023.

“He needs to get this tied up before the CCJ,” Judge Gearty said. “There is no point in kicking the can down the road.”