Man with 148 convictions imprisoned for pub assault
Power appeared at Waterford Circuit Court.
A Waterford man has been sentenced to three years in prison for his unprovoked assault on a man outside a pub.
Shane Power, of Danesfield, Cappoquin, appeared at Waterford Circuit Court last week for his sentencing by Judge Eugene O'Kelly.
The Court heard how on September 17, 2023, Power assaulted a man aged in his 60's, outside the Tavern Bar on Main Street, Cappoquin.
Garda Alan Crowley, of Dungarvan Garda Station, told the Court that Power's attack caused victim to lose consciousness. Power had been a patron at the premises and was standing outside the building after closing, along with other patrons including the victim. CCTV footage from outside the bar captured Power assaulting the victim and bystanders quickly attending to help, with several clearly remonstrating at Power. The victim later stated: "I remember getting a slap and waking up in Cappoquin (in an ambulance). I do not know this person and have never met him."
The injured party was taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) to be treated by a head consultant. He ended up receiving eight staples to his head.
The Court was informed that Power had 146 previous convictions, including 38 for public order offences, 13 for drug-related offences, 18 for theft offences and 30 for road traffic offences.
According to Garda Crowley, Pulse records show that Power now has 148 convictions. Defence counsel for Power told the Court that he had struggled for years with addiction and his mental health but had never properly 'grappled' with his issues. The Court heard that the 37-year-old has been in and out of prison for the past 20 years due to his 'chronic' addiction and how it has negatively affected his own relationship with his partner and children.
Judge O'Kelly imposed a headline sentence of four years for the assault, and reduced the term by one year.
