Man who was 'protecting family' spared conviction over part in Dunfanaghy brawl

A Ballymena man whose actions sparked a major row in the middle of Dunfanaghy has avoided a conviction.

Falcarragh District Court heard that Niall Hopkins was attempting to “protect his family” in the incident on September 10, 2023.

Hopkins, a 57-year-old of Sheepshill, Ballymena, was before the court charged in connection with an incident at Market Square, Dunfanaghy.

Inspector Seamus McGonigle told the court that Gardai were called to the scene of an incident at 1.18am. Statements were taken and “a number of prosecutions” taken in relation to the incident, Inspector McGonigle said.

Upon viewing CCTV footage, Inspector McGonigle said it became apparent that Hopkins was acting aggressively and in a threatening manner. “There was a huge number of members of the public present,” Inspector McGonigle said.

The actions of Hopkins provoked a further altercation with a separate matter in relation to this also before the court.

Inspector McGonigle said Gardai believed that the behaviour of Hopkins started the entire incident.

Hopkins, who has no previous convictions, was highly intoxicated and met the care “more than fairly”, Inspector McGonigle said.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Hopkins, said his client was on holidays on the day in question with his wife and daughter. Mr Gallagher told the court that they were “approached by individuals” in a premises who had “made derogatory remarks”.

As they waited for a taxi, Mr Gallagher said some parties approached Hopkins’ wife  and daughter.

“Unfavourable words were said,” Mr Gallagher said.  “My client is seen on CCTV protecting his family. He spent a night in hospital with his wife, who is also an alleged victim. This was quite a traumatic situation for the whole family.”

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham asked regarding the further incident, which she said was “concerning” for the court.

“I appreciate the reasons for his actions, but that doesn’t condone his actions,” Judge Cunningham said.

Inspector McGonigle said Hopkins’ behaviour wasn’t aggressive and was the result of gross intoxication.

“Making a nuisance of himself,” Inspector McGonigle said, “but that alone was enough to inflame matters.”

Judge Cunningham said Hopkins could avoid a conviction by way of making a €300 donation to Little Blue Heroes.