Bouncer is cleared of assault

AN ASSAULT charge against a bouncer working in a Wicklow nightclub was dismissed last week by Wicklow District Court due to inadequate CCTV footage served as evidence in the case.Jason McCann of 118 Loughlinstown Wood, Loughlinstown, was before the court accused of assault on Stephen Darigan outside Silvers nightclub, Marlton Road, Wicklow on January 6 2007.

AN ASSAULT charge against a bouncer working in a Wicklow nightclub was dismissed last week by Wicklow District Court due to inadequate CCTV footage served as evidence in the case.

Jason McCann of 118 Loughlinstown Wood, Loughlinstown, was before the court accused of assault on Stephen Darigan outside Silvers nightclub, Marlton Road, Wicklow on January 6 2007.

Darigan, who resides at Rocky Road, told the court McCann grabbed him inside the club, locking his arms before dragging him downstairs and then smacking' him twice in the face.

He said McCann then kicked him in legs and in the groin, telling him he was barred' and not to come near the f***ing door again', leaving him lying on the ground in agony.'

The court heard Darigan explain that he had earlier punched another man in the face inside the nightclub, who he saw kissing his ex-girlfriend.

Garda Darragh McEvoy told the court he viewed CCTV footage of the night in question, which showed Darigan being escorted from the premises.

However, he explained that the footage only captured happenings at the small pavilion area at the front entrance to the Grand Hotel and showed no evidence of the assault.

I see this a lot in cases of assault,' said Judge William Hamill.

CCTV cameras should monitor not only direct access points but the surrounding area, which would serve the interests of everybody and not waste court time like this,' he added dismissing the case.