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10 Apr 2026

Suspended sentence for Derry man who attacked hotel employee

James Farren (67) of Larkhill in Derry was charged with the attack that occurred on September 1 last year

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Derry Magistrate's Court

Reporter:

Court Reporter

08 Mar 2024 11:01 AM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

A man who was barred from a local hotel some weeks later attacked a member of staff from the premises outside a bar in Waterloo Street occasioning actual bodily harm Derry Magistrates Court heard today. 
James Farren (67) of Larkhill in Derry was charged with the attack that occurred on September 1 last year.
Police were initially alerted to the incident when Farren reported himself to them stating he had assaulted a man outside Peadar O'Donnell's bar. 
The victim in the attack worked in the Waterfoot Hotel, a place Farren had recently been barred from.
The court heard that the victim was approached by Farren asking him why he was barred and was told why. 
The when the victim was talking to friends Farren 'suckered punched' him causing injuries to his lupand the back of his head. 
Farren made full admissions to the assault and the following day police received a report from the victim, telling them that he'd been assaulted.
Farren said that he didn't know the name of the victim, just that he worked in the hotel bar.
Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman said that Farren had apologised for the incident, adding that he had been acting out of character on the night.
District Judge Barney McElhom called the attack 'deplorable' and said that attacks such as this one could have 'catastrophic' results.
Farren was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended two years and ordered to pay a £1,000 compensation order.

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