Man was punched more than 50 times on head in Bundoran hotel

A case in which a man was punched more than 50 times in an assault has been adjourned for an updated medical report.

Niall McKernan, 24, 81B Loughmallon Road, Creggan, Omagh was before Donegal District Court on Monday. He is charged with assaulting Eden Friel and causing him harm at the Allingham Arms Hotel, West End, Bundoran on October 24, 2021.

The court heard that gardaí attended the hotel, having received a report at around 2.30am of a male being assaulted. The hotel staff member said he believed the alleged assailant was still on the premises. 

The injured man was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, from where he was referred to Sligo University Hospital due to a possible bleed on the brain, as well as an eye injury.

Gardaí identified the suspect from CCTV which showed the injured party being punched in the head more than 50 times. For most of the punches, he was lying on the ground.

McKernan was arrested, and he admitted the assault.

Among the injuries on the report was a left eye trauma with orbital fracture, for which the victim was referred for further treatment. 

Judge Sandra Murphy pointed out that a later report showed upgaze restriction, and she expressed concern at the serious impact of the assault.

“He was punched many times on the face and head while lying on the floor,” she said. “I would like to see an updated medical report.”

The case was adjourned to determine if a further medical report was available.

Inspector Seamus McMonagle told the court that the injured party had also suffered loss of earnings as a result of the assault.