Defendant punched man’s head and face 50 times in alcohol fuelled ‘red mist’

A 25-year-old man carried out a prolonged assault of around 50 punches in a Bundoran hotel, leaving the victim with a fractured eye socket.

Niall McKiernan of 81B Loughmallon Road, Creggan, Omagh was before Donegal District Court on Monday. He pleaded guilty to assaulting Eden Friel and causing him harm. The incident occurred at the Allingham Arms Hotel, West End, Bundoran on October 24, 2021.

The case had previously been adjourned to seek an updated medical report from the injured party who had suffered a left orbital fracture.

Inspector Pat Harney told the court: “He stated that he had no long term damage to the eye and he doesn’t wish to make a victim impact statement.”

The court heard that both men were part of a group which had come to Bundoran together, and were drinking in the hotel bedroom afterwards.

Mr Murphy said: “There was an altercation after at the hotel. The injured party struck Mr McKiernan first and he retaliated very badly. He went into a red mist and didn’t stop until his friends intervened.

“He fully admits that he was wrong.

“He identified himself on CCTV and made a full and frank admission upon arrest.”

The solicitor said his client had apologised to Friel and though the pair wouldn’t be described as friends, they had made amends.

“He doesn’t involve himself in pub culture or alcohol,” said Mr Murphy. “Himself and his girlfriend are living a quiet life.”

The solicitor said the defendant was offering compensation of €2,000, adding: “He said if it doesn’t go to the injured party he would give it to a charity.”

Judge Sandra Murphy said: “What concerns me is that this man was punched on the floor. The man lost consciousness and he continued to assault him.”

Regarding the offer of €2,000 compensation, the judge said: “There was loss of earnings of two weeks and €300 medical expenses. I wouldn’t call that compensation. It is just paying back what he lost.”

She said that although the court could not make an order regarding compensation, she felt that €5,000 would be a more appropriate amount. 

The judge gave McKiernan six months to make the compensation payment, and said she would finalise the matter once the €5,000 was paid.