Man (26) attacked colleague with a hacksaw during row at Louth apprenticeship training centre

A 26-year-old man who scarred another male with a hacksaw while they attended a training course has been told to come up with more compensation.

Conor Doyle, Balfe Road, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and to production of an article during the course of a dispute at the LMETB Regional Skills & Training Centre, Coe’s Road, Dundalk, on May 18, 2021.

He came to court with €1,200 for this victim and was prepared to get more if given time, his solicitor said. The incident was described as a moment of madness and out of character.

Court presenter Sgt Laura Blanche said it centred on a dispute over a grinding tool and added that the DPP had directed summary disposal of the case in the district court.

A medical report was available.

The injured man said he knew Mr Doyle quite well. They were doing a course together in the training centre.

He said he was using a grinder and put it down. He thought what happened was a joke.

The defendant came across, he (the victim) pushed him, and they struggled before the other man ‘swung a hacksaw at my head’.

Solicitor Paula Tiernan handed in references on behalf of her client who had never been in court before or since.

Mr Doyle was extremely apologetic. This was a moment of madness which was out of character. He was happy to save up more compensation.

Judge McKiernan remarked this was a very serious matter. It was an unusual thing to happen and not normal or rational behaviour. The victim had a scar.

The court took into account the guilty plea and no previous convictions.

Judge McKiernan said the defendant would have to pay a total of €2,000 compensation as a token.

The case was adjourned to May 8 for a probation report and to finalise.

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