The Catholic victim of an “animalistic” sectarian attack in Derry is lucky to be alive, a judge has said.
Judge Barney McElholm made the comment as he handed out suspended sentences to two Waterside men for their part in the incident which took place in the predominantly Protestant Fountain area of the city.
Co-accused Darren Dougherty, of Heron Way, and Robert Lyttle, of Stevenson Park, Tullyally, both aged 24, appeared at the city’s Magistrates Court today on charges linked to the incident which occurred on June 22, 2014.
Dougherty was charged with common assault, while Lyttle faced the more serious offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court heard the victim was attacked by a group of six-seven males who were said to have shouted sectarian abuse such as “you Fenian bastard” during the attack.
CCTV footage played in court showed Lyttle kicking the victim six times as he lay on the ground and Dougherty on top of him as girls attemptted to break it up.
Passing sentence, Judge McElholn said tbe attack could have proved fatal and the victim could have sustained “serious and permanent brain damage.”
He added: “In this country when people get into gangs” an “animalistic sectarianism” ensues.
Addressing both defendants, Judge McElholm said: "Both of you need to take a long hard look at yourselves.
“I condemn sectarianism no matter what side, it's what's holding this country back."
Dougherty was a given three months jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay £400 in compensation to the victim.
Lyttle, who was said to to have had a greater involvement, was given a nine month jail term suspended for two years and ordered to pay £750 compensation.
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