Four Co Kildare men have been jailed for three years for an assault on a Polish man which occurred after he tried to talk to a girl in their company at a nightclub.
Arkadinsz Chmara told Naas Circuit Court yesterday that the attack had changed his life, and he was afraid to go out and did not trust anyone anymore.
Clive McLoughlin (23), of Ashgrove Crescent, Naas; Tristan McLoughlin (24), of Monread Heights, Naas; Stephen Mitchell (22), (formerly of Naas) of The Burgery, Dungarvan, Co Waterford; and David Mitchell (24), of Lower Hodgestown, Donadea, Naas, were convicted on a count of violent disorder and a second count of assault on Mr Chmara.
Tristan McLoughlin was also convicted of assault on PJ Lawlor, who was attacked when he tried to stop the men. The court was told Mr Lawlor was so badly beaten his own GP did not recognise him, and he had the imprint of a shoe or boot on his forehead.
Judge Patrick McCartan heard the incident occurred in the early hours of February 23th outside Tokyo nightclub at Fairgreen, Naas. Mr Chmara was found unconscious by gardaí when they arrived. He had been kicked and punched on the ground, suffering bruising to his side and back, two black eyes and a cut above his left eye. Mr Lawlor was found in the middle of the road.
The court was told Tristan McLoughlin had 19 previous convictions. Stephen Mitchell had 35 previous convictions.
Mr Lawlor said the attack had made him nervous and he was wary of large groups of people. The assault was part of the reason he retired from the Army.
Judge McCartan described the assault as a vicious act. The youths gave Mr Chmara a savage beating because they did not like to see a non-national talking to one of their company.
He praised Mr Lawlor who left the comfort of his taxi to help the victim who was being kicked on the ground while the rest of the crowd watched. "I have nothing but the highest regard for what he did. He is a man of huge bravery."