Man who assaulted mechanic over tractor repairs escapes conviction

A man who pleaded guilty to assaulting a mechanic in a “blind rage” over significant delays to the repair of a tractor in 2022, has been discharged from the indictment following the payment of €30,000 compensation to the victim.

Oliver Young (45), with an address at Whitebeam Avenue, Clonbrusk, Athlone, previously took a trial date, but ultimately entered a guilty plea to the charge of assault causing harm to George Slammon following a dispute over repairs to a Massey Ferguson 125 tractor.

The assault took place on the doorstep of Mr Slammon’s home in Creeve, Mount Temple, Moate, on April 2, 2022.

In his victim impact statement, Mr Slammon said he is at a financial loss due to the assault. He said he no longer works at the same rate because the assault traumatised him and caused him anxiety. He said he feels tired, struggles with sleep and concentration and is taking antidepressants.

Last year, Judge Keenan Johnson deferred sentence for payment of €30,000 compensation and a fine of €250. When Mr Young appeared in court this week having followed all orders, Judge Johnson discharged him from the indictment, sparing him a conviction.

The court previously heard how, in October 2021, Mr Young employed the services of Mr Slammon for works that needed to be carried out on an old Massey Ferguson 125, belonging to a relative of Mr Young, who was in his 80s.

The tractor had broken down near Mr Slammon’s garage and Mr Young consented to the mechanic doing “whatever was needed” to get it back on the road.

The elderly owner of the tractor called Mr Slammon on several occasions and was told that a lot of work was still needed. This caused concern to Mr Young when, in April 2022, the tractor was still undergoing repairs.

He became aggressive when he called to the injured party’s home on April 2 and Mr Slammon reported to Gardaí that Mr Young “drew a swing with his right fist” and hit him under his left eye, sending him to the ground where he said he got five or six “good kicks” to the chest.

Mr Slammon called Gardaí and attended a number of hospital appointments. He suffered bleeding in his left eye, reduced vision and bruising, with a small blood clot in his left nostril. He also suffered tender ribs and mild swelling over the right knee. Scans showed multiple fractures to his face and he had a tooth removed.

Shane Geraghty BL, for the accused, said the assault was “out of character” for Mr Young, who has a history of good deeds, including saving the life of another man by donating a kidney. Furthermore, he once jumped into the Shannon to save a person in difficulty.

Mr Young has no relevant previous convictions, is employed as an accountant and was deeply remorseful for his actions.

In a letter of apology, Mr Young said he had gone into a rage after a “red mist” had descended on him and that he wished he could take back his actions.

Judge Johnson noted that Mr Young was a decent man, as was Mr Slammon, but acknowledged the significant injuries caused to the victim.

He noted the payment of compensation and discharged Mr Young from the indictment.

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