Judge Brands Bar Glasses 'Lethal Weapons'

A Dublin judge has called on the management of nightclubs to take steps to prevent their customers leaving with "lethal weapons" such as bottles.

Judge Katherine Delahunt made the comments as she jailed a man who "glassed" his victim in the face.

David Spain (aged 20), of Rathsallagh Park, Shankill left victim Aidan Sheehan unconscious with cuts to his face and ears after ramming the broken bottle into his face outside the Bondi Beach disco in Stillorgan.

Spain pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on May 1, 2006.

Judge Delahunt told Spain: "A bottle is a lethal weapon in a circumstances like these, no less lethal then carrying a knife.

"Nightclubs ensure nobody no one comes in with any alcohol. They might also ensure no one leaves with a bottle either."

She noted that Spain had no previous convictions and had paid Mr Sheehan €2,000 as a token of his remorse.

She imposed a one-year sentence with six months suspended.

(BMcC)