Judge Instructs Student to Present Leaving Cert Results in Assault Case

 Ennis, Ireland – A secondary school student who pleaded guilty to assaulting a man in his 60s during a protest against a rumored asylum accommodation center has been directed by a judge to bring his Leaving Certificate results to court before a final decision is made on his case.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett instructed Ross Culligan (20) to present his June Leaving Cert results in September, emphasizing the importance of his academic progress in determining the outcome of the case.

“If you come in here with your Leaving Cert, that might be the final icing on the cake on what is a very positive Probation Report,” Judge Gabbett stated. He added, “I will put this back to September and see how the Leaving Cert goes – that is key.”

Culligan’s solicitor, Tara Godfrey, responded with a lighthearted remark, “No pressure,” to which Judge Gabbett assured, “There is no need for pressure because he will do fine in the Leaving Cert.” Ms. Godfrey noted that her client, a student at an Ennis secondary school, is studying Irish and history.

Culligan, of Connolly Villas, Ennis, has pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm of local resident Michael Neylon at Scool, Corofin, on May 22, 2023. The charge falls under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Addressing Culligan directly, Judge Gabbett encouraged him to move forward, stating, “Put this behind you – you have the capacity to do that.”

Ms. Godfrey highlighted the influence of social media in the case, noting that “there is this world that people become involved in that doesn’t reflect who they are.” She referenced “Netflix’s Adolescence and also radicalising,” suggesting that Culligan had been drawn into a situation that did not align with his true character.

She further stated, “My client is now apolitical – he deeply regrets involving himself with this group. Under any other circumstances, he would not be coming into this court.” She appealed to the judge, saying, “My client is ashamed of any part he had. He is in any other way non-criminal, and I would ask you not to criminalise him here today.”

The Probation Report presented to the court was described as very positive, indicating that Culligan had expressed regret and remorse, taken responsibility for his actions, and was genuinely committed to not reoffending.

The State’s Case

Outlining the prosecution’s case, Sergeant John Burke explained that the incident took place during a protest at Scool, Corofin, against a rumored asylum accommodation center. The protest was organized via social media based on false claims that asylum seekers were set to be housed in the area.

Sgt. Burke stated that the alleged victim, Mr. Neylon, engaged in discussion with the protesters, leading to a verbal exchange. During the altercation, Culligan allegedly assaulted Mr. Neylon, causing a facial injury.

He emphasized that the blockade was mounted over misinformation and that there were no government plans to establish an asylum accommodation center at the site.

The controversy arose after a video circulated online showing men touring a house with multiple beds in each bedroom, claiming it was intended for asylum seekers. However, Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman later clarified that the property had never been designated for such use.

Speaking on RTÉ radio at the time, Minister O’Gorman denounced the misinformation, stating, “This is entirely as the result of misinformation that’s been circulated on social media – detailed misinformation, setting out indicative numbers, indicative genders.” He further asserted, “We are not using the site that has been identified in Corofin. It’s never been offered to us, and I suppose I can’t be clearer than that.”

Judge Gabbett has adjourned the case until September, pending Culligan’s Leaving Cert results.