Judge slams men for ‘shameful’ attack on woman’s vehicle

THREE Dungannon men who kicked and banged the doors of a car driven by a young female, have been told their behaviour was “cowardly, childish, bullying and disgraceful”.

The incident happened on Sloan Street on the afternoon of January 22, 2020 causing great distress to their victim.

Aaron Donnelly (25) of Castleview Heights and Daire McAleer (23) and Connor McKenna (26) both of Dalriada Park were ordered to pay compensation of £350 each to the female for the trauma they caused her. They also received 150 hours community service work when they admitted a charge of disorderly behaviour at the town’s Magistrates Court.

They kicked and banged the innocent victim’s car and grabbed the handles and attempted to open a door. A fourth person involved in the attack has not been before the court.

A victim impact statement was provided for the hearing. District Judge Michael Ranaghan said she had suffered “a signification long-lasting impact in her personal, family and professional life”.

Defence barristers for the trio, said they were remorseful for their actions. They also indicated they would apologise to her in writing, if she was willing to accept their letters.

Barrister Noel Dillon said his client McKenna and the others had finished work early and gone for a “few drinks”. He suggested that the person who instigated and persevered with the attack was not before the court. He added that the case had been a “salutary lesson” for McKenna and that he “fully accepted his actions and was severely embarrassed by the impact on the lady”.

The barrister for McAleer also said he “expresses great regret and wished the injured party well”.

Craig Patton on behalf of Donnelly acknowledged they were lucky not to have faced more serious charges.

Mr Patton said, “What he thought was a minor incident, he now knows had major ramifications for his victim. He regrets he didn’t involve himself more to stop the situation as he was the least intoxicated of the group”.

Judge Ranaghan said he would not read out the victim’s letter in court but it had been read by the defendants. He told them, “You put that lady through a terrifying ordeal. She did not know what the attack entailed and it could have been anything. These were cowardly, childish, bullying, disgraceful actions against this young lady. I hope you are ashamed of yourselves”.

Judge Ranaghan also said he doubted that she would want letters of apology or would want anything to do with them.

He concluded, “Each of you will pay compensation and hopefully she will understand her voice was heard. I hope you leave the court with your heads held very low. You have committed a shameful act that I hope is on your conscience forever”.