Frenchman had jaw broken in Waterford carpark
Power pleaded guilty to assault.
A French tourist was punched by a local man while on holiday in Dungarvan.
Sean Power (38), of Clashnagoneen, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, broke a man's jaw on the night of March 8, 2025, at Lawlor's Hotel carpark.
The man was attacked over a misunderstanding involving a child earlier on in the evening.
Garda Richard Coughlan gave an outline of the events of that evening in Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.
The victim had been visiting the area with a group of friends, including a colleague who grew up in Dungarvan.
They were celebrating the Ireland v France rugby match at Lawlor's Hotel. On his way outside to smoke a cigarette he passed through the lobby where a group of children were playing with helium balloons.
As he made his way through, he picked up a child to help her reach upwards and grab a balloon. He put the girl down after she caught a balloon and continued on his way.
Members of the child's family became upset over the interaction, which was described later in court as "entirely innocent".
A commotion ensued and hotel staff escorted the visitor out of the premises via the back entrance. Sean Power, known to the child's parent, punched the man in the carpark at the back of the hotel. CCTV footage captured the attack.
The man had to be transported to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) for treatment of his broken jaw.
The court heard that Power had 10 previous convictions, including charges for assault and public order offences.
Garda Coughlan agreed that he was "very obliging" and cooperative with Gardaí at the time of his arrest and caution.
Judge O'Kelly asked if there was anything "sinister or sexual" in the victim's behaviour with the child. Garda Coughlan confirmed that no complaint was made by the child's parents. The victim did not give an impact statement.
Power received a two and a half year sentence with the final 18 months suspended. He will be under probation supervision for the final 12 months of the sentence.
Judge O'Kelly said: "There has to be a deterrence that vigilantism is not accepted."
