Ireland Man awarded €167,000 damages over barbecue assault in Ballyjamesduff
On 25 March 2017, a barbecue in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, ended in an assault on Jiri Kocurek, a 45-year-old Czech national of Virginia, Co Cavan. Kocurek sued Piotr Swidniak, a Polish national of Ashford Downs, Ballyjamesduff, and judgment was previously granted in default of appearance. Swidniak later appeared before the court and said he would not be able to pay because of his financial situation. In a judgment reported on 19 October 2023, the High Court, before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, awarded Kocurek €167,000, including €20,000 towards replacing eight teeth. No criminal charge is mentioned in the reports.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In court19 Oct
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Jiri Kocurek, a 45-year-old Czech national, suffered multiple fractures to his face in the assault.
- Kocurek sustained fractures to bones in his nose, around his eyes and jaw.
- It was claimed that Swidniak kicked Kocurek repeatedly in the head.
- Where
- The men were attending a barbecue in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan.
- When
- The assault took place on 25 March 2017.
- Cause
- It was claimed that Swidniak drank excessively and repeatedly insulted Kocurek before the assault.
- Weapon
- Swidniak was reportedly wearing steel-capped boots during the assault.
- Charges
- No criminal charge is mentioned; the matter was a civil action by Kocurek against Swidniak.
- In court
- Judgment was previously granted in default of appearance, and the case came before the court only for assessing damages.
- Ms Justice Carmel Stewart presided over the damages assessment in the High Court.
- Sentence
- The High Court awarded Kocurek €167,000 in damages, including €20,000 towards replacing eight teeth.
- Other details
- Kocurek said he was afraid to go out and did not return to work until 2021.
- Swidniak, a father of three, told the court he would not be able to pay because of his financial situation.
15 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe High Court awarded Jiri Kocurek €167,000. (irishtimes.com)
- whatKocurek suffered multiple fractures to his face in the assault. (irishtimes.com)
- whatKocurek was kicked by Swidniak. (irishtimes.com)
- whatIt was claimed Kocurek was kicked repeatedly in the head. (irishtimes.com)
- whatKocurek sustained fractures to bones in his nose, around his eyes and jaw. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe men were attending a barbecue in Ballyjamesduff. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe assault took place on 25 March 2017. (irishtimes.com)
- causeThe assault happened at a barbecue. (irishtimes.com)
- causeIt was claimed that Swidniak drank excessively and repeatedly insulted Kocurek. (irishtimes.com)
- weaponSwidniak was reportedly wearing steel-capped boots during the assault. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe case was before the court only for assessing damages, after judgment was previously granted in default of appearance. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMs Justice Carmel Stewart presided over the damages assessment. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe award included €20,000 towards replacing eight teeth. (irishtimes.com)
- otherKocurek said he was afraid to go out and did not return to work until 2021. (irishtimes.com)
- otherSwidniak told the court he would not be able to pay because of his financial situation. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 19 Oct2023Man awarded €167,000 over ‘traumatic’ assault at barbecue
Civil High Court assessment of damages for the 2017 assault. No criminal charge is mentioned. Judgment was previously granted in default of appearance, and the award was €167,000 including loss of earnings and €20,000 for replacing eight teeth.
victim, Jiri Kocurek, 45, male, Czech, non-irishJiri Kocureksuspect, Piotr Swidniak, male, Polish, named, non-irishPiotr Swidniak