Man who videoed Mayo assault gets community service

AN Achill man who videoed the vicious assault of another male in Westport has received 150 hours’ community service in lieu of a jail term.

Jay Wilson (25), of Barr na Farraige, Achill Sound, appeared before Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to affray at Market Lane, Westport, on November 20, 2021.

The court heard that the assault on the victim was not reported to the Gardaí, but video footage of the incident had been widely circulated on social media platforms, which prompted the Garda investigation.

Mr Wilson was responsible for recording the incident on his phone and could be heard making threats against the victim.

Judge Eoin Garavan was informed that Mr Wilson was in Westport that evening to celebrate his mother’s 50th birthday. An altercation took place involving the victim, who was described as intoxicated on the night. This resulted in the assault in Market Lane later in the evening.

The court was told that Mr Wilson, who has five previous convictions, moved to work in Co Meath after the assault.

Mr Martin Durack, counsel for Mr Wilson, explained that his client has since been diagnosed with a debilitating illness but was soon to start a new job in Castlebar. He added that his family suffered a bereavement when his brother was killed in an accident in the UK, and his client was determined not to appear before court again.

In sentencing Mr Wilson, Judge Garavan said that while the defendant did not take part in the assault, he had recorded it and put it up on social media for a purpose and as a threat. He added that he had ended up in court as a result of his ‘foolish behaviour’.

Judge Garavan accepted that Mr Wilson has no history of violence and has a history of employment. He ordered him to complete 150 hours’ community service in lieu of six months imprisonment.