19-year-old punched barman in the face
Published 18 Oct 2012 21:04
A 19-year-old man who punched a barman in the face after being repeatedly put out of a pub has been sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for two years.
Ryan Masterson, of Breandrum Park, Enniskillen, is currently out of prison on licence after being jailed at the Crown Court in relation to another offence.
A prosecutor told Fermanagh Court that on May 31, a barman from Charlie's Bar in Enniskillen contacted police to say he had been assaulted by Masterson. He said Masterson had entered the bar and attempted to buy soft drinks. Masterson was told he was not welcome on the premises and told to leave. The barman escorted him from the premises on a number of occasions until Masterson eventually punched him in the right eye. Masterson was interviewed by police and admitted being asked to leave the pub several times and being put out several times. He also admitted punching the barman but claimed it was in self-defence.
Defence solicitor, Mr. Gary Smyth, referred to the "difficult personal circumstances" outlined in a medical report. He said Masterson had been in the Tyrone and Fermanagh psychiatric hospital in Omagh prior to the Crown Court case and attended with the Community Mental Health Team.
The solicitor said this incident happened at 6.30pm when Masterson went into the bar and asked for soft drinks.
"He would say that for some reason, unknown to him, he was told to leave and forcefully shown the door," said Mr. Smyth. "He took exception to that and unfortunately reacted foolishly."
Deputy District Judge Terence Dunlop said he was mindful of Masterson's problems but unfortunately he had a record for assaults in the past and the court had to reflect its "extreme disapproval of any violent action".
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Oct 12
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