Court told of 'appalling' violence in Castlebar kebab shop
Judge Eoin Garavan described the incident as "horrific".
Two men who attacked a Garda and staff at a kebab shop in Mayo during an “appalling act” of St Patrick’s Night violence have been given an opportunity to avoid jail sentences.
Dylan Pyne, aged 24, of The Close, Mahon Drive, Blackrock, Co Cork and a co-accused who cannot be named because he was under the age of 18 at the time of the offence, previously appeared before a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court where they pleaded guilty to the assault offences.
The court heard that Gardaí were called to Castle Kebab House on New Antrim, Street, Castlebar, at 12.20am on March 18, 2024.
Pyne and his co-accused reacted violently when they were refused entry to the toilets of the premises as they were not customers.
Pyne, who was wearing three large rings on his hand, inflicted cuts and bruises to the head of a staff member.
CCTV of the incident was played in court. Following the initial altercation with staff, both men could be seen trying to leap over the counter of the restaurant. At one stage, Pyne leaves the premises but returns moments later wearing a vest having removed his jumper.
Sgt Paul Maher arrived at the scene and was assaulted from behind by both men. Pyne also latched onto the leg of the Garda.
A total of six Gardaí had to be called to the scene and the two defendants were arrested.
Pyne has one previous conviction.
A victim impact statement from one of the kebab shop victims was read into court. He said he felt scared after the incident and left the business and the area as a result.
The men were remanded in custody following the initial court hearing last October and re-appeared for sentencing last week.
Judge Eoin Garavan said the incident was “horrific” given the level of violence. He said it took the intervention of “one tough mother” to bring the situation under control.
The judge remarked that it was "extraordinary" that the male who was under 18 at the time rejected the opportunity to take up the Juvenile Liaison Programme when the offence occurred.
The judge released both men on bail to appear before the court again on October 15 next. If they behave then he indicated he is willing to suspend some or all of their prison sentences.
“Now it is time to be out in the big, bad world and prove that they have learned a lesson,” Judge Garavan stated.
The men were ordered to abstain from alcohol and abide by an 11pm to 6am daily curfew.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
