Derry man accused of breaking cousin's nose in car park convicted in absence at trial
A man who was assaulted by his cousin causing damage to his teeth and nose said in a report the assault 'destroyed my confidence I don't like going out anymore'.
Patrick Crumlish (20) of Clon Dara in Derry was convicted in his absence of assaulting his cousin occasioning actual bodily harm on December 14, 2024, and a charge of disorderly behaviour on the same date.
Crumlish had been due to stand trial in relation to the charges on Friday.
The court heard that police received a 999 call from the injured party to say he had been beaten up in a car park.
The man told police he had pulled up in the car park and waved at the defendant, who he knew.
He said that Crumlish then walked over and punched him to the face and head, breaking his nose and damaging teeth.
Crumlish failed to turn up for his trial and was convicted in his absence.
District Judge Ted Magill said that the defendant had made ‘no comment’ during his interview with police, but had told probation an account that 'put a different complexion on things.'
Defence counsel Brendan Kearney told the court the reason Crumlish missed the contest was because he had to go to a funeral on Friday.
Mr Kearney said that the defendant had a settled address and a clear record.
Judge Magill said that it was 'difficult to understand' why this happened.
Crumlish was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for three years.