Man suffered dental damage after he was punched during ‘schmozzle in chip shop’
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A photographer punched a man in a ‘schmozzle’ in a takeaway after chips were thrown at a girl in his company.
Roman Zuev, aged 31, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to an assault charge.
Sgt Fiona Farrell told the court that on May 25, 2018, the injured party, Jack Harte, aged 24, was punched in the face by a man he did not know. A witness saw the assailant walk in the direction of SuperValu car park. Gardaí stopped Zuev in the car park. He was arrested and admitted striking the man.
The accused said he hit Mr Harte after he disrespected a girl and threw chips at her. The injured party did not have a great recollection of events on the night, the court was told.
Zuev has no previous convictions and works as a photographer. Sgt Farrell said she believed this was a once-off incident. Zuev apologised for his action in court.
“I was only defending a girl and things got out of hand,” he stated. “He (the injured party) threw a box of chips in her face and I reacted."
The court heard Mr Harte’s teeth were damaged and he required dental work amounting to €1,000.
“This was a shmozzle in a chip shop,” said Colm Smyth, SC, representing the accused.
Judge Eoin Garavan said he has some sympathy for Zuev. He said it was a one-blow incident following "some sort of provocation". Judge Garavan said he would consider not recording a conviction should compensation of €2,000 be paid to the victim within eight months.
The case was adjourned until October 8, 2024 for finalisation.
