Cork, Ireland – A violent attack at The Briar Rose pub in Douglas has resulted in a man being sentenced to one year in jail for assault with a boxcutter knife. The 44-year-old man, David White of Glencurrig, South Douglas Road, Cork, was handed a total sentence of two years by Judge Jonathan Dunphy at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
White pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm to bar staff and the production of a knife during the incident that took place on Saturday, November 12, 2022. The court heard that White had been drinking at the pub but was refused further alcohol after displaying signs of intoxication and causing trouble.
Upon being denied more drinks, White left the pub but later returned wearing a facemask and brandishing a boxcutter knife. He proceeded to confront two staff members, eventually headbutting one of them behind the bar. Customers inside the pub fled in fear as White was subdued by others until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
While White claimed that the knife was merely in his work trousers and he had no intention of using it, Judge Dunphy emphasized the severity of the assault. The defendant offered €2,750 in compensation to the staff that were assaulted, although they declined to accept it. Despite expressing remorse and regret for his actions, Judge Dunphy decided not to suspend the entire sentence due to the intentional and violent nature of the attack.
White, who has stayed out of trouble with the law since the incident and has not consumed alcohol, was described as a respected member of the community in testimonials. The court’s decision to hand down a significant sentence serves as a stern warning against violent behavior in public spaces like bars and pubs. It also highlights the potential dangers of alcohol-fueled confrontations and the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.