Jail suspended for attack over alleged lewd remarks

A man was punched after pestering the girlfriend of his attacker by making lewd comments about her, a court has heard.

Aidan Fitzgerald said he attacked Robert Hanlon because he felt intimidated by him during an argument over comments made by Mr Hanlon.

The victim was left with injuries to his nose, lips and eye, and received stitches to his lip and nose.

Fitzgerald (39), Shangan Green, Ballymun, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Mr Hanlon on October 29th, 2012.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring imposed a prison sentence of 18 months but suspended it on condition Fitzgerald paid €500 to the Peter McVerry Trust. She ordered that Fitzgerald also pay €1,000 to Mr Hanlon.

Garda David Duffy told Colm O’Briain, prosecuting, that earlier in the night Fitzgerald and his partner had left another pub after Mr Hanlon began making comments of a sexual and lewd nature towards Fitzgerald’s partner.

Mr Hanlon and the woman began arguing and Fitzgerald came over and invited the victim to “step outside” with him. On their way out, Fitzgerald swung at Mr Hanlon, punched him twice and kicked him.