A medical student working as a bouncer at a Co Galway night-club last Christmas Eve, who was called racist names before being kicked and beaten by four construction workers, accepted a cheque for €20,000 from his attackers at Galway Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.
Aderemi Ogunjimi, who has recently qualified and is now attached to Wexford hospital, was not in court to hear evidence given by Garda Gerry Fahy yesterday against his four attackers, but he accepted their offer of €20,000 through his barrister.
Peter Frazer (22), a carpenter from Lackaghmore, Turloughmore, who has two previous convictions for assault, was remanded in custody by Judge Raymond Groarke until July 26th for sentence.
His co-accused, Padraig Coady (43), a plasterer from Cregarragh, Claregalway, his younger brother, Kenneth Coady (24), a block-layer from Cloonavadogue, Ballyglunin, and an apprentice block layer, Jason Roche (22), from Ballybanagher, Cummer, were each given suspended 12-month sentences for their part in the unprovoked assault. All four denied they had made racist comments.
Garda Fahy said a group of people were refused admission to the nightclub, which was packed. Witnesses saw the four approach Mr Ogunjimi at the door, led by Frazer, and they heard him being called racist names.
Frazer punched Mr Ogunjimi in the face and when he fell to the ground he was dragged outside, where the others assaulted him. He suffered cuts to his head and face, two broken front teeth, and bruising to his entire body before being rescued by other bouncers.
Judge Groarke said it was a very cowardly attack and the four big, strong Galway men should be ashamed of themselves.