Farmer who broke man's eye socket avoids jail after 'token of remorse'
A Co Donegal man who attacked another man and left him with a broken eye-socket after a one-punch attack in a bar has avoided going to jail after he paid his victim €8,000.
Father-of-four John Parke, 42, appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Court where he was charged with a Section 3 assault on Gary Gibson.
Farmer Parke admitted the attack and previously offered his victim a token of his remorse of €1,000 which Judge John Aylmer said "borders on an insult."
The accused man returned to court where he increased his offer of remorse to his victim to €8,000.
The court had heard Mr Gibson and Parke had been drinking at the Diamond Bar in Raphoe at approximately 11.30pm on August 24, 2019 when the incident occurred.
Prosecutor Ms Fiona Crawford said Mr Gibson had been in the bar when Parke arrived and said to Mr Gibson 'get the f**k out of the bar.'
Mr Gibson then turned to Parke and told him he was finishing his half pint of alcohol when Parke suddenly struck his victim with a closed fist to the face.
Mr Gibson was cleaned up and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital before being transferred to Sligo Hospital and then on to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry for treatment.
The court heard that Mr Gibson's right eye socket was displaced by five millimetres, that he was off work for three weeks, had headaches for six weeks after the incident and that he still has a 'constant drooping' in his eye.
He said he was thankful to the doctors at Sligo Hospital who managed to save the sight in his right eye.
Garda William Powell, the investigating member, said there had been no CCTV in the bar and nobody present was willing to make a statement.
A victim impact statement on behalf of the victim said he was still afraid when he went out socially and was nervous in case he met Parke and that he always had his wife 'on standby' to collect him as he is afraid to walk home.
Parke made a voluntary cautioned memo of interview to Gardai on October 2, 2019 in which he admitted to meeting Gary Gibson in the bar and saying to him 'what's wrong with you?'
Parke said there was not a lot said between the pair but there was some 'pushing and shoving' but that he left and met his wife before going home.
When the allegation that he punched Mr Gibson was put to him by Gardai, Parke replied 'Bullshit, that's a load of crap, I did not hit him.'
The accused also claimed he could not have punched Mr Gibson as he had cut his hand with a blade a short time earlier and could not make a fist.
However, he later entered a guilty plea to assaulting Mr Gibson.
The court was told that Parke had two historic previous convictions for criminal damage going back to 2004 but none for assault of any nature.
Barrister for Parke, Mr Ciaran Elders, BL, said his client was an active member of the local community and had been involved in training underage sports teams, in various charity events and he knew that he should have walked away on the night in question rather than becoming involved.
He said a probation report into Parke said there had been a slight conflict and that a drink may have spilled onto his trousers and there had been a verbal spat with Mr Gibson but said he had no recollection of punching him.
The probation service also said he was at a low risk of reoffending and that he was suitable for community service and is also very remorseful for what had happened.
Mr Elders added that Parke was a man with a virtually unblemished record and that this incident was totally out of character for him and that there had been no further conflict between the accused and the victim.
He said he had the sum of €1,000 in court by ways of compensation to his victim.
Judge John Aylmer said that this was clearly a very serious assault given the circumstances adding Mr Gibson suffered a very nasty fracture to his cheekbone as he reflected on the victim's injuries.
He said he placed the incident 'very much in the mid range' and one which merited a prison sentence of three years before mitigation.
He added that he entered a plea at the last moment but this did not entitle him to one third off his sentence but credit has to be given for it.
Judge Aylmer said he recognised the fact that Parke was of limited means but that the offer of €1,000 'is bordering on an insult to Mr Gibson.'
Barrister Mr Elders suggested if he had more time but the Judge replied that he 'has had an awful lot of time' but said he was still in denial at giving Mr Gibson such a firm blow that he would cause such injuries.
'He has a long way to go to avoid a prison sentence,' added the Judge.
Mr Elders asked if the court had any idea of a figure which it would be satisfied with, to which Judge Aylmer replied 'No. He will have to arrive at it himself. It's not a cattle mart.'
A revised offer of €8,000 was made in court which the accused man's barrister said was "a huge amount of money for him to raise."
Mr Elders added that he did not think there was a huge benefit to society by incarcerating Parke saying he was a functioning member of his community and broader society as a whole.
Passing final sentence, Judge John Aylmer said Parke caused a very serious injury to his victim and he placed the assault at the mid range of such incidents meriting a sentence of three years before mitigation.
Judge Aylmer referred to the probation service report which said Parke was deemed a low risk of reoffending, the lack of any major previous convictions as well as a letter from Parke's partner.
He said it was clear that incarceration would place an extreme burden on the accused man's family and especially his child with special needs for whom Parke cares for.
The Judge added that the increase from €1,000 to €8,000 for Mr Gibson was a more genuine token of remorse and having regard to his otherwise good character, he proposed to deal with the sentence by way of a non-custodial sentence.
He ordered Parke to do 240 hours community service in lieu of two years in prison on the basis that the money is paid over to Mr Gibson, not as compensation as he may have a future claim for compensation, but as a token of his remorse.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tears flow at funeral to "kind hearted" dad
There were tearful scenes today at the funeral of a tragic dad who died in a serious road traffic incident involving an e-scooter. Mourners gathered at Saint Josephs Church, Poppintree, Dublin to pay their respects to Jack Goss, who died from his injuries a day after the accident on Father's Day last Sunday. Jack was described as a "kind hearted dad" who brought so much joy and love to his family. Jack, from Poppintree in Ballymun, Dublin 9 was seriously injured on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15 following the horror collision on the Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown but sadly passed away on Monday, June 16. In his death notice on it stated Jack is the 'beloved son of Michael and Helena and brother of Alex and Catherine, partner of Hannah and Daddy to Romee Rose.' His heartbroken family said in Jack's death notice that 'He brought to their lives so much love, kindness and joy.' 'Jack's incredible spirit and big heart will forever be missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, loved ones and his community whom he loved. 'Jack's infectious spirit, fun and love touched so many. His legacy lives on in his precious baby girl and all who loved him.' Mourners were invited to make donations in lieu of flowers to the local Aisling Project in Poppintree and Ballymun who educate and provide life skills to young people. Meanwhile, tributes continue to be paid to Jack with one mourner writing in the condolence section on 'My heart broke to hear the awful news about Jack. He was so polite, kind and caring, an absolute credit to his parents, he will be sadly missed by so many." |Another wrote: 'RIP Jack, grateful I knew you like I did,' and another wrote: 'A gentle giant with a heart of gold. We will forever cherish all our memories of you. Rest peacefully Jack.' Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to the serious road traffic collision as investigations are ongoing. 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving an e-scooter shortly after 5pm on Sunday, June 15 'The male, aged in his 20s, travelling on the e-scooter who was brought to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown to be treated for serious injuries has since passed away. 'Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward. 'Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Cappagh Road area between Heathfield and Cappagh Hospital between 4.45pm and 5.05pm on Sunday and may have camera footage are asked to make it available,' the statement said. 'Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Lie at 1800 666 111 or any garda station.'
Sunday World
6 hours ago
- Sunday World
Man (23) caught with cocaine in his underwear ‘suffered racist bullying in school'
The defendant, who has one previous conviction for possession of drugs, was a front seat passenger in a car followed and stopped by Gardaí. A 23-year-old food delivery driver who had cocaine in his underwear has been remanded on continuing bail for a probation report. Nahid Duffy, Dowdalls Crescent, Newry Road, Dundalk, was before the circuit court for sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of 26.9g of cocaine for sale or supply. Further charges of possession of cocaine and possession of 'magic mushrooms' are being taken into consideration. The defendant, who has one previous conviction for possession of drugs, was a front seat passenger in a car followed and stopped by Gardaí. It was stated that he got involved in drug dealing to feed his own cocaine habit. Gda Daniel O'Connor testified that at 12.25am on April 5, 2021, he was observer in an unmarked car when he spotted a Ford Focus driving erratically after it exited Mourne View on the Dublin Road. This car was stopped at McSwiney Street. It contained the driver, Mr Duffy and a third person in the back. Gda O'Connor said he spoke to the defendant who appeared nervous. The car and its occupants were searched. Mr Duffy took responsibility for a bag of 'magic mushrooms' and for €825 cash which was in the centre console. Following his arrest and during a search at the garda station, cocaine was found down the accused's trousers in his underwear. Stock image News in 90 Seconds - June 21st The drugs were valued €1,883, and the 'magic mushrooms' €110. He told investigators that he used the mushrooms for anxiety. He also admitted using cannabis and CBD. He said the cash was his and admitted having the drugs for sale to fund a cocaine addiction. There was one previous conviction for Section 3 possession of drugs for which a €150 fine was imposed in the district court. For this case the DPP had directed summary disposal on a guilty plea only and the district court accepted jurisdiction. Mr Duffy initially pleaded 'not guilty'. A booklet of mitigation was handed into court on behalf of the defendant. Barrister Stephen Faulkner, instructed by solicitor Ciarán Mulholland, said that Nahid Duffy was of Bangladeshi/Irish descent and had suffered racist bullying in school. He had no trappings of wealth. The money was to feed his addiction. Judge Dara Hayes said that given Mr Duffy's age he would adjourn sentencing to November 11 for a probation report. The judge said it was a serious offence committed while on bail. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Monster who raped victim while her son was in other room due back on Irish streets as 14 sex offenders released
A MONSTER who raped his victim while her son was in another room will be freed from prison this weekend. The Irish Sun can reveal Connors is being freed after completing a 10-month sentence he received for failing to notify Gardai of his address when he left Under the terms of his release, he has to notify Gardai of his whereabouts. But as he prepares for his release this weekend we can also reveal that he's still classified as having 'no fixed abode'. It's understood the Probation Services are working to find him a suitable place to live. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS As part of his release conditions, he will also be placed on the He's also banned from trying to contact his innocent victim or any of her relatives. Although he received a 14-year sentence in 2009 for a brutal rape, he's also classified by Gardai as a 'serial thief'. He was released from prison in 2024 after serving a sentence for a series of thefts he committed in 2022. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN A senior prison source said: 'Connors is a serial offender and was behind a lot of thefts when he was released from his rape conviction. 'He's due out in a matter of days but still hasn't provided Gardai with any address. Moment evil soldier who raped woman in town centre is caught cowering in toilet 'He always returns to Wexford each time he's released from prison but it's possible he could go somewhere else. 'Connors is a very difficult prisoner and he will probably end up in prison again because he just can't help himself.' Connors raped his victim in 2006 along with another man before he was caged in 2009. They targeted the woman after calling to her BRUTAL ATTACK At their trial in December 2008, their victim recounted how the two men forced their way into her home. Her young She was pushed onto the bed and a piece of rope that was on the floor was wrapped around her neck. The two men denied the rapes in court but were both unanimously convicted by a jury in the Central Criminal Connors was released in 2019 with residents objecting to his return to Enniscorthy in a series of protests. 1 Monster John Connors is set to be released from prison in just days
