Man escapes jail after glassing stranger in face

Friday 02 September 2016

A 22-year-old man from Belfast who glassed a stranger in the face while out celebrating St Patrick's Day has been sentenced to 210 hours community service.

Eoghan McCullagh was sentenced in the Royal Court today after pleading guilty to grave and criminal assault on 24 year-old Ajar Tailor in Chambers in the early hours of 18 March.

The Court heard how McCullagh, who was in tears during his sentencing, had just changed medication that he'd been prescribed by his doctor to help improve his mental health and had had a couple of pints when he approached Mr Tailor in the bar and started arguing with him. Mr Tailor turned away several times before he was caught on CCTV lunging towards McCullagh who was then seen striking Mr Tailor with his glass.

Mr Tailor wasn't seriously injured but was taken to A&E with multiple cuts to his face consistent with a glass shattering on impact.

His defence lawyer Advocate James Bell argued that McCullagh had been provoked by Mr Tailor who had made homophobic remarks about him when he was dancing and that he hadn't deliberately intended to use the glass as a weapon.

But Crown Advocate Robert McCrae told the Court that a message must go out that glassing of any nature on the streets of St Helier is not acceptable and called for a 15 month custodial sentence and a 12 month ban from licensed premises.

Advocate Bell said: "Mr McCullagh sincerely regrets that he didn't just walk away.

"This incident was wholly out of character. He doesn't actually have a violent disposition. He's not out and about in clubs and pubs looking for trouble."

Advocate Bell told the Court that McCullagh, who has no previous convictions, has expressed genuine remorse for his actions, had a momentary loss of control, hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since that night and has described his own actions as "disgusting" and "out of character".

The Court heard how McCullagh, who has recently got a promotion at work, does a lot of voluntary work and fundraising for local schools and charities.

Advocate Bell asked the Court to consider that the shock of the proceedings and being part of the Court process had had sufficient effect on McCullagh in terms of a deterrent, suggested a custodial sentence would destroy his spirit and suggested a community service order was a suitable punishment.

The Judge told McCullagh he had taken his "excellent character" and "many good qualities" into account and the fact he was described as mild-mannered, affable and sociable and said that his voluntary and charitable work was extremely commendable for someone of his age. He took into account that there was potential for an adverse affect when his medication was combined with alcohol and although that was foolish on McCullagh's part, it may have contributed to what happened.

McCullagh was given 210 hours community service, the equivalent to a 15 month custodial sentence and banned from licensed premises apart from for work or charitable purposes.