Cork man’s hammer attack conviction suspended on appeal

The victim of a hammer attack in broad daylight had to run into a shop for protection. The attacker’s four-month prison sentence has now been suspended on appeal.

Jason Ring, aged 60, of Bride Valley View, Upper Fairhill, Cork, was sentenced to this prison term, but lawyer Jessica Kelleher appealed the verdict to the Cork Court of Appeal. Judge Sinéad Behan announced a suspended sentence.

Sergeant John Kelleher said: “On 2 December 2022, Gardaí Rory Fogarty and Killian O’Connell were on patrol and observed two men, including Jason Ring. They were standing next to a parked car and a hammer was thrown over a garden wall. Garda Fogarty attempted to speak to them but they were agitated and aggressive.

“Five minutes later, a call came in to Knockpogue Avenue in Farranree. The injured man did not want to press charges, but showed police marks from the attack on his body.

“CCTV showed it happened outside the Fairfield Stores in the heart of Farranree, which is usually a busy area during the day. CCTV shows him standing outside the Fairfield Tavern when a Volkswagen Golf stops and waits for a few minutes.

“Jason Ring got out and a verbal argument ensued. Jason Ring went back to the car. The injured man went to the store. Mr. Ring approached him and hit him several times with an object.”

He said the injured man ran into the store for safety reasons.

Jason Ring pleaded guilty to manufacturing a hammer for the purpose of intimidation.

Ms Kelleher said on behalf of the 35-year-old: “There was no formal complaint from the victim, so the guilty plea was helpful.”

Sergeant Kelleher agreed, but said the incident was captured on CCTV.

Ms Kelleher said the defendant was addicted to tablets that were not prescribed to him and to cocaine.

“He described what happened very honestly. He is now on friendly terms with the injured person again. He has a good sense of the fear the victim must have felt,” said the lawyer.

In addition to imposing a suspended sentence, Judge Behan also ordered the defendant to pay €400 to the victim of the crime through An Garda Síochána.