Judge tells state to ‘get move on’ in case of man accused of fracturing eye socket of victim at music festival

A judge has deferred making a decision on whether to rule on a case involving a man accused of fracturing another man’s eye socket at a Mullingar music festival until a medical report is handed in.

Judge Vincent Deane said the court was not in a position to accept or refuse jurisdiction over an assault causing harm incident at the Life Festival in Belvedere House and Gardens on May 27, 2023.

Nathan Dunne (30) of 30 Hophill Grove, Tullamore, Offaly appeared before Mullingar District Court in connection with the incident.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said the alleged victim sustained a fractured eye socket as a result of a single blow to the head.

The court was told that while a medical report was available, the state was not in a position to hand it in.

“That’s not enough for me to consider jurisdiction,” said Judge Deane in response.

Sgt Kenny said the prosecution would be in a position to present its case in full before the summer recess and suggested putting it back to a date in early July.

Judge Deane granted the state application but warned Sgt Kenny to tell the prosecuting garda to “get a move on” in ensuring there were no further delays.

He also advised gardaí, in particular, to be conscious of how the court’s dealing with issues linked to jurisdiction could well be fought more rigorously by defence solicitors.

Mr Dunne was granted legal aid after his defence counsel, Andrea Callan, BL, said her client’s only income was social welfare.

The accused was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on July 9.

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