Trainee teacher living in Clare charged over late-night assault at Limerick pub

A young man living in south east Clare has appeared in court charged with assaulting another man at a pub in Limerick city centre.

Liam Kelly, aged 22, who has an address at Ashley Close, Westbury, Corbally punched the injured party three times in the face with a closed fist following a verbal altercation, at Smyth’s pub on Denmark Street on October 3, 2024.

Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill told Limerick District Court that the injured party went to Henry Street Garda Station following the incident, which occurred at around 1.45 am. 

Sergeant O’Neill said the victim had a “headache” after the assault, and subsequently attended Sligo University Hospital where he received treatment his injuries.

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The court heard that when he was first questioned by gardaí, Mr Kelly made no admissions regarding the incident, but then he later stated that he felt threatened by the man. 

Solicitor John Herbert, defending Mr Kelly, said that prior to the punch, Mr Kelly was sitting in the pub, drinking water and enjoying the company of other men, when three other men began engaging with him. 

Mr Herbert said the assault “did not come out of nowhere”, and that Mr Kelly is training to be a teacher. 

Judge Patricia Harney commented that “three punches seems to be a bit excessive”. 

Considering the case, the judge sought to view CCTV footage of the incident on the night’s events. 

The case is due to come before the court again in the new year, February 6, to review the footage from Smyth’s pub.