A 23-year-old man who assaulted his ex-girlfriend was given a three-month suspended sentence and ordered to pay €1,000 compensation.

David O’Leary (23), previously of Gurranes, Lombardstown, Mallow, and currently of no fixed abode, appeared on a domestic assault charge at Skibbereen District Court.

Solicitor Colette McCarthy said her client had mental health issues and had no previous convictions at the time of the assault. She said he had received a conviction for drink driving since, and very recently one for the possession of drugs with the intent of sale or supply.

‘This all happened in a period of 18 to 20 months. He was grieving the death of his grandfather who he refers to as his best friend, his only friend. Thankfully there were no injuries. There were bruises and a bloodied nose,’ Ms McCarthy said.

She added that his parents and two younger brothers no longer wanting any contact with him since the assault.

The court heard that Mr O’Leary had no fixed abode since early 2024. A 2023 probation report stated he had undiagnosed depression.

Judge Joanne Carroll said: ‘He assaulted the young lady he was involved with, knocking her to the ground and striking her repeatedly.’ She suspended the jail term for 12 months, under condition that he pay compensation within four months.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.