Compensation paid in Dunmore nightclub assault case

A YOUNG Dunmore man who carried out a serious assault on his victim because he refused him a cigarette, was given the benefit of the Probation Act at Tuam Court after he paid over a considerable sum in compensation. [private] The Court heard that Jack Swanwick, Dunmore, had been in PJ's nightclub, Dunmore on the night of June 6 last. Swanwick was in the smoking area of the club and asked his victim, Peter Ryder, for a cigarette. When Ryder refused, Swanwick assaulted him. The victim was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. Peter Ryder told Judge Browne that he had recovered from his injuries and was fine now. Laura Glennon solr (defending) pleaded that words had been exchanged between her client and his victim and the blow struck had been 'unlucky' in that it resulted in quite severe injuries. She said Swanwick has shown real remorse for his behaviour. Her client came from a very good family. He was 21 and worked in a factory in Ballyhaunis and had saved a sum of money to offer in compensation to Ryder. He was the holder of an articulated truck driving licence, had no previous convictions and was looking for a chance from the Court. A cheque for a considerable sum was presented to the Judge for consideration. The exact amount involved was not disclosed publically. When the amount was shown to the victim he indicated his willingness to accept it by way of compensation. Judge Browne asked if Swanwick had given up smoking and was informed that he had not. 'Maybe he should,' he quipped. He then decided that on the basis of the compensation being accepted he would give the defendant the benefit of the Probation Act. However he informed Mr Ryder that accepting the compensation offered did not prevent him from taking a private civil action against Swanwick. 'But I think you have enough with that,' he concluded. [/private]