Details of violent altercation in Newbridge relayed to Kildare court

A man who was involved in an assault incident that involved a golf club was handed down a suspended custodial sentence.

John Ward, with an address listed as 9 Rosconnell Avenue in Newbridge, was accused of handling the golf club in the violent incident at Rosconnell Square on October 11, 2021.

The 26-year-old was found guilty on this charge, in addition to a charge of dangerous driving at the R409 in Halverstown on October 10, 2021.

On the second date, Mr Ward was caught speeding at 112 kilometres per hour in a 60km/h zone.

Gardaí informed presiding Judge Michéle Finan that Mr Ward had ten previous convictions, which included criminal damage, engaging in threatening and/or abusive behaviour, and failing to follow the directions of gardaí.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly said that the incident involving his client on October 11 'all emanated from a feud with another family.'

He said: "He has no problem with them, but for some reason, they have a problem (with him)."

In response, Judge Finan said that it was 'unacceptable to have weapons out in the open.'

She added: "If there is so much upset between him and this family, why doesn’t he get out of town?"

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Speaking directly to Mr Ward about the incident, the judge said: "What did you think was going to happen? You would have either ended up in hospital or in jail."

Mr Kennelly also said that his client had been abusing illicit substances in the past, but does not take them anymore.

Although the judge considered a probation report for Mr Ward, she waved it in favour of ordering Mr Ward to take part in 120 hours of community service.

She also imposed a nine-month custodial sentence on Mr Ward, which was suspended for two years.

For the driving offence, Judge Finan decided to reduce the charge to careless driving, and fined him €50.

The judge also advised Mr Ward to call the gardaí if he experiences any issues with the other family.