Sentenced for striking man with vodka bottle in Dundalk flat

A homeless man who used a vodka bottle to strike a man whose flat he was staying in, has been sentenced to three years at Dundalk Circuit Court - with the final 15 months suspended.

Oliver McQuillan who is originally from Swords, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm arising out of the incident at a property on Dublin Street, Dundalk on May 14th 2018.

The court had previously heard both men had been drinking in the flat when a row broke out around midnight.

The victim told gardaí the defendant got up from an armchair and punched him in the face and picked up a vodka bottle saying “I’m going to get you”.

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A man who had been living in an upstairs flat returned from getting food and told gardai he knew something was wrong when he saw the victim’s door was open and said it was "a horrific scene there was blood everywhere”.

The victim suffered wounds to his right forearm/elbow, head and face and when interviewed the defendant, who had 48 previous convictions, accepted his DNA might be found on the broken bottle.

The court was adjourned to give the defendant a final chance to engage with the Probation Service.

Last Thursday, Judge Dara Hayes imposed a three year sentence, but noting that there were “green shoots” and some some hope of the defendant addressing his addiction to alcohol, he suspended the final 15 months on condition that he remains under the supervision of the Probation Service during that period and engages in any treatment directed.

The sentence was backdated to November 8th last when he went into custody.