Three people sentenced for 'senseless violent assault' at Derry Crown Court
Ethan Dorney (22) of Swilly Gardens, Eoin McBrearty (23) of Rathkeele Way and Chelsea McLaughlin (24) of Glenside Road all in Derry admitted their parts in the assault on two females
A young woman was happy having to wear a mask during Covid as it covered the scars on her face inflicted in a 'senseless violent assault', Derry Crown Court heard today.
The contents of a victim impact statement was read out before three people were sentenced for the attack on two young woman on February 22, 2020.
Ethan Dorney (22) of Swilly Gardens, Eoin McBrearty (23) of Rathkeele Way and Chelsea McLaughlin (24) of Glenside Road all in Derry admitted their parts in the assault on two females.
Before passing sentence Judge Neil Rafferty KC read the statement from one of the victims who required 20 stitches to her lip after the assault, in which she stated she finds it hard to look in the mirror due to the scarring from the assault.
The court heard that police received a 999 call that two females were being attacked in Clon Dara.
The two women had observed an Audi car being driven recklessly and pulled in to remonstrate with the driver, McBrearty.
The three people in the Audi lighted and attacked the two young women who were 'kicked and punched to the ground' and Dorney threw a bottle that showered glass at one of the woman causing significant injuries.
A householder intervened and he too was assaulted by being hit on the head with the bottle.
The court heard that the assault lasted 'around four minutes' and at one stage one of the woman was spat on.
Homophobic slurs were also shouted although Judge Rafferty said he did not believe the attack had any undertones of this.
One of the woman had 'significant injuries to her face' with over 20 stitches to her lip and two shattered teeth.
The court heard that Dorney had 26 previous convictions and there was a 'medium likelihood of re-offending'.
Judge Rafferty said of Dorney who admitted a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent that this was 'a serious offence that requires a custodial sentence'.
He said the offences were aggravated by the fact the young woman ended up with 'extensive facial scars'.
He sentenced Dorney to three years in prison with half to be served in custody and half on supervision.
McBrearty and McLaughlin admitted charges of assault on the women and McBrearty admitted the assault on the man who intervened.
McBrearty was sentenced to an enhanced combination order of 80 hours community service and two years probation.
McLaughlin was given 18 months probation.