Man who bit security guard twice and punched bar manager avoids jail term
Defence counsel said her client's behaviour was out of character and he was "ashamed" when he saw his behaviour on CCTV
A man bit a security guard twice after he had been refused entry to a Dublin pub, a court has heard.
Raul Poama (23) also punched a manager at Fibber Magees shortly before he bit the security guard.
Poama of Claude Road, Drumcondra Dublin 9, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault on December 3, 2023. The max sentence for this offence is six months.
Imposing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said Poama had involved himself in an "unedifying incident". She said it was a "very sorry state of affairs", that what should have been an enjoyable night out resulted in a man of "otherwise good character" coming before the court.
READ MORE - Man jailed for hit and run after he was filmed on Snapchat knocking down a cyclist while driving a stolen
READ MORE - Healthcare worker accused of sexually assaulting female patients
The judge said the victims "should not have been subjected" to this behaviour.
Having considered the mitigation, she imposed a three-month sentence suspended on strict conditions for two years.
Garda Jonathan Ryan told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that Poama was refused entry to the pub around 11.40pm as he was intoxicated. He then punched a manager to the right side of his face, causing swelling.
Poama ran off and fell over a member of the public. Another security guard followed him. He attempted to apprehend Poama, who was screaming at him, then bit him on the chest.
This security guard moved, then Poama bit him again on the stomach leaving a bite mark.
Gardai were driving past and saw what was happening. When they approached, Poama shouted at them, telling gardai to "fuck off". The security guard showed them the bite mark on his stomach.
Neither victim required medical attention and both men declined to provide victim impact statements.
CCTV was also obtained as part of the investigation.
Poama has no previous convictions and has not come to garda attention since this incident.
Gda Ryan agreed with defence counsel that Poama was examined at the garda station as he had sustained some injuries during the incident.
It was further accepted that Poama was intoxicated but behaved well when he had sobered up.
Gda Ryan also agreed that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal, but jurisdiction was refused by the district court.
Defence counsel said her client's behaviour was out of character and he was "ashamed" when he saw his behaviour on CCTV.
She said Poama is not a regular drinker but consumed too much alcohol after going out with colleagues to celebrate.
She said his perception was that a comment was made about his nationality, but he accepts he took the wrong approach to this. He also felt he was being squashed but acknowledges his behaviour was unacceptable.
Poama had brought €2,000 to court as a gesture of remorse.
He came to Ireland from Romania as a young teenager and is from a pro-social family. He is working in construction. A number of testimonials were handed to the court.
Counsel suggested her client is unlikely to re-offend and is very remorseful.
The court heard the manager is willing to accept the token of remorse, while the security guard has left the country and is uncontactable.
Judge Crowe directed that €1,000 should be offered to the manager, while the balance of €1,000 should be paid to charity.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
