Ireland Nightclub ordered to pay €43,000 damages over doorman assault on Leeson Street, Dublin
Brian Cleary, a sign writer, said a doorman at Leggs night club on Lower Leeson Street, Dublin, punched him in the side of the head in the early hours of 3 June 2024 after he and his girlfriend had queued and been refused entry. No criminal charge against the doorman is reported; instead Cleary brought a civil personal injuries claim of €60,000 against the club's company and nominee, who did not respond. On 21 April 2026 the Circuit Civil Court, before Judge Catherine White, awarded him €43,000 in damages and ordered the club and its owner to pay a €25,000 legal costs bill.
- Reported
- Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Brian Cleary, a sign writer, said he was punched in the side of the head without provocation and knocked to the ground.
- Cleary was bleeding heavily from a cut on his upper lip, which was later stitched, and he was left with a permanent facial scar.
- Where
- The assault took place outside Leggs night club at 29 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin.
- When
- The assault happened in the early hours of 3 June 2024.
- Cause
- A doorman told Cleary and his girlfriend, who had been queuing, that it was unlikely anyone else would be allowed in.
- Investigation
- No criminal charge against the doorman is reported, and the case was a civil personal injuries action rather than a criminal prosecution.
- Charges
- Cleary brought a €60,000 personal injuries claim against Jalcanto Limited and its nominee Seán O'Farrell, trading as Leggs night club.
- In court
- The club and its nominee did not respond to the claim, and judgment in default of appearance had earlier been obtained against the club.
- The case was heard in the Circuit Civil Court before Judge Catherine White.
- Sentence
- The court awarded Cleary €41,500 for personal injury and €1,695 in special damages, totalling €43,000.
- The club and its owner face a €25,000 bill for legal costs of bringing the case to court.
9 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe victim said he was punched in the side of the head without provocation and knocked to the ground. (rte.ie)
- whatThe victim was bleeding heavily from a cut on his upper lip, which was later stitched, and he was left with a permanent facial scar. (rte.ie)
- whereThe assault took place outside Leggs night club at 29 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin. (rte.ie)
- whenThe assault happened in the early hours of 3 June 2024. (rte.ie)
- causeA doorman told the victim and his girlfriend that it was unlikely anyone else would be allowed in, after they had been queuing. (rte.ie)
- courtThe club and its nominee did not respond to a €60,000 personal injuries claim. (rte.ie)
- courtThe case was heard in the Circuit Civil Court before Judge Catherine White. (rte.ie)
- courtThe club and its owner face a €25,000 bill for legal costs. (rte.ie)
- sentenceThe court awarded the victim €41,500 for personal injury and €1,695 in special damages. (rte.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 21 Apr2026Nightclub to pay €43,000 damages for assault by doorman
Civil personal injuries case, not a criminal prosecution; no criminal charge against the doorman is reported. Judge Catherine White awarded damages of €41,500 and special damages of €1,695, and the club faces a €25,000 legal costs bill.
victim, Brian Cleary, 51, male, irish (judged from name)Brian Clearysuspect