A well known west Clare musician has told a court in Galway that a violent assualt has "broken his spirit and gift for music".
Noel Hill from Lisseycasey was giving a victim impact statement at the sentence hearing of Michael Folan from Lettermullen who has pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly harming him in a pub six years ago.
Galway Cicuit Court heard that Michael Folan had subjected Noel Hill to a sustained attack in a toilet at Tí Phádraig Mháirtín Beag, in Lettermore on St. Stephen's Day 2008.
At the time, Folan was in a legal dispute with the Clare musician over payment for renovation work carried out on his home.
In his victim impact statement today Noel Hill told the Court that the assault had left him "a destroyed man", with his gift for music and his spirit broken.
He said he had been attacked from behind by Folan who had kicked him repeatedly in the head, fracturing his eye socket and skull as well as causing a deep laceration to his left ear, and severe injuries to his neck, arms, hands and shoulder.
Michael Folan's solicitor explained his client was receiving treatment for alcohol and anger management issues.
Describing the attack as violent, cowardly and despicable Judge Rory McCabe said it was likely that a custodial sentence would be imposed but he postponed sentencing until July, when he will hear further reports on Folan's efforts to deal with his issues.
