A man who left an Italian student paralysed from the neck down after smashing a beer bottle over his head in Fairview Park, Dublin, has been jailed for 81/2 years by Judge Elizabeth Dunne.
Italian student Guido Nasi was struck on the head with a half-full bottle of lager causing near-fatal and permanent injuries after he confronted a young boy over the disappearance of his wallet, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.
Mr Nasi, then 17, spent two weeks in Beaumont Hospital before being transferred in a coma back to Turin. Dr John Caird described his condition as irreversible.
James Osbourne (31), originally from Forth Road, East Wall, but now living in Ardilaun, Dublin, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Nasi at Annesley Bridge Road, Fairview, on July 29th, 1999.
Prosecuting counsel Mr Patrick Gageby SC read an emotional letter prepared by Mr Nasi, who had flown to Dublin with his family and friends in the aftermath of Osbourne's guilty plea.
It read: "Why can't I read or write? Why can't I go to school, which I enjoyed so much and which gave me so much satisfaction . . ? Why am I living such a monotonous life without all the activities of young people of my age which are my rights . .? Why, when my friends have finished university, will I be still waiting to finish school? Why will I always be separated from my friends when they go ahead and I stand still? Why me? Why?"
Judge Dunne described it as assault at the very highest end of things next to someone ending up dead. A lengthy sentence had to be imposed due to the nature of the injuries.
"Mr Nasi was very fortunate that it did not have that result but, unfortunately, one thing that cannot be denied is the catastrophic effects the attack had on Mr Nasi."
Det Sgt William McKenna said Mr Nasi had been playing with friends in Fairview Park and was attacked by Osbourne who saw him wrestling with a young boy he believed had stolen his wallet. He was taken to the Mater Hospital a little dazed but well enough to walk. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Beaumont Hospital.
On August 6th, 1999, Osbourne was arrested. He never denied the attack but initially refused to answer any questions on the advice of his solicitor.
Mr Michael O'Higgins SC, for Osbourne, said his client deeply regretted "the terrible, catastrophic injuries inflicted to Mr Nasi", and if he could trade places he would.
His client was an alcoholic and had been drinking in Fairview Park. The incident was fuelled by drink and rage, he said.