AN 86 year old war veteran was assaulted by a motorist in what was described as a "road rage" incident in Westport.
The local court heard yesterday that a drunken driver got out of his car at 12:15 a.m. on July 14th-15th and assaulted the driver seated in a parked car, which he claimed was impeding him.
The injured party was Mr Mickey Cavanagh, a dual citizen of Ireland and the United States and a veteran of the Korean War.
Patrick Joyce (31), from Copperfield, Knockranny, Westport, pleaded guilty to the assault and a charge of drunk driving.
Supt Malachy Mulligan said:
"This was the nearest we have come to a road rage type incident." Joyce approached the parked car and after some words struck Mr Cavaunagh in the face through the window of his vehicle. As a result of the assault, Mr Cavaunagh had a tooth loosened and his lip cut.
Judge Dan Shiels adjourned his decision in relation to the assault on the understanding that "substantial" compensation would be paid to the injured party. He imposed a two year driving ban and a fine of £200 on the drunk driving charge and ordered a report from the court probation officer.