Travellers jailed after thrashing Claremorris nightclub

Three travellers jailed after thrashing Claremorris nightclub


THREE Travellers from Tuam who thrashed a Mayo nightclub - causing nearly €30,000 worth of damage which left 13 people hospitalised - were given a combined 16 year prison sentence at yesterday’s sitting of Castlebar Circuit Court.
The rampage which lasted for 20 minutes took place in the Blue nightclub of the D’alton Inn Hotel in Claremorris on June 16, 2008, when pint glasses, bottles and furniture were thrown at revellers in the club.
Eric Ward (21) of 31 Tirboy, Tuam and Bernard Ward (21) of 23 Tirboy, Tuam were sentenced to six years for their part in the episode, while John Reilly (29) of 11, The Shambles, Tuam was sentenced to four years - with the final two years of each sentence suspended.
They had earlier pleaded guilty to a range of offences which included assault, criminal damage, threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour, and violent disorder. A fourth defendant Aaron Ward of 31 Tirboy, Tuam failed to appear in court.
The court was shown CCTV footage of the incident which showed the defendants indiscriminately throwing pint glasses across the club as patrons fleeing for the exit were caught in the line of fire.
Garda Donal Kelly explained that the defendants used pint glasses from the bar as ammunition and when Lorraine Dolan, an off-duty barmaid tried to stop them, she was thrown to the ground and kicked by Aaron Ward. He said the CCTV showed Eric Ward smash two pint glasses on top of her, and his assault on Paul McTigue left him with a busted nose. Another victim was knocked to the floor and left unconscious.
The court heard that €28,500 worth of damage was caused to the nightclub and 13 people were hospitalised for injuries such as bruising, concussion, loose teeth, chipped teeth, fractured eye sockets, a slipped disc, cuts to head and glass having to be removed from the head.
When nightclub security tried to intervene they were met by a shower of glass and were advised not to enter the club. Garda McCann said he arrived at 1.30am and when he went into the club, glass and chairs were thrown at him. He said the nightclub was smashed up with glass, blood and broken furniture all over the floor. The incident lasted for 20 minutes but the defendants continued throwing glass and furniture for five minutes after the nightclub was evacuated.
Up to 25 gardaí had to be called to the area to arrest the defendants and escort them out of the club as a crowd of over 100 people gathered outside to seek retaliation.
When the defendants were questioned, only John Reilly admitted his guilt and identified himself on the CCTV footage. John Reilly and Eric Ward both had previous convictions. The court heard they were all extremely intoxicated on the night and it was suggested a derogatory comment to one of the men kicked off the disturbance.
Michael Reilly, brother of John told the court that his family were shocked and disappointed at his behaviour and it was out of character for him to be involved in such activity. He said they were involved in a business course run by FETAC and hoped to set up their own business.
Mrs Jacqueline Ward, wife of Eric Ward gave an impassioned plea on behalf of her husband saying that he had a drink problem and she wanted to ensure he got help.
Mr John Hogan, BL for Mr Reilly, said his client was very remorseful for what he did but he had tried to stop the others from continuing and was the most co-operative. Ms Denise Waldron, BL for Bernard Ward, said her client had no previous convictions and this was totally out of character. Ms Geraldine Silke, BL for Mr Eric Ward, said he was at a crossroads in his life and was a good person but had a huge problem with alcohol. References from past employers and community leaders were presented to the court on behalf of all the defendants.
“I found the CCTV utterly frightening and to see people behave in such a way as they did was scary and frightening,” Judge Raymond Groarke told the three men before sentencing. “The fracas started because of a comment and the response was most vicious. The assaults are on the higher end of viciousness and the purpose was to cause as much injury as possible.”
He said he recognised that John Reilly had co-operated with the Gardaí and had tried to impose peace and sentenced him to four years imprisonment and suspended the final two years on the condition he keeps the peace for three years. He sentenced both Eric Ward and Bernard Ward to six years imprisonment each but suspended the final two years on the condition they keep the peace for three years.