86 year-old war hero Mickey Cavaunagh is 'road rage' victim
11 December 1996
An 86 year-old war veteran was assaulted by a motorist in what was described as a 'road rage' type incident in Westport .
Judge Dan Shields was told at Westport court how a drunk driver got out of his car at 12.15 a.m on the night of July 14th at the North Mall and assaulted the driver of a parked car, which he claimed was impeding him.
The injured party was Mr Mickey Cavaunagh, a dual citizen of Ireland and America, and a recognised hero of the Korean War. Mr Cavaunagh is one of Westport's most colourful and popular senior citizens, a former member of the local urban council and a man who regularly led the local St Patrick's Day Parade.
Thirty-one year-old Patrick Joyce, a married man from Copperfield, Knockranny, Westport, pleaded guilty to the assault and a charge of drunk driving.
An analysis of a urine sample taken at Westport garda station revealed a concentration of 297 mgs of alcohol. Supt Malachy Mulligan, prosecuting, said the defendant was a in a hurry home and had his path impeded by Mr Cavaunagh, who was letting a passenger off.
"This was the nearest we have come to a 'road rage' type incident", said the Superintendent. He said Mr Cavaunagh had suffered considerable' injuries having been struck with a clinched fist.
Mr Joyce got out of his car, approached the parked car and after some words struck Mr Cavaunagh in the face through the window of his car. He left Mr Cavanaugh pumping blood and in a very distressed state. As a result of the assault, Mr Cavaunagh had a tooth loosened and his lip badly busted.
Fr Liam Durcan, P.P. of Leenane, said he knew the defendant and his family very well. He was a devoted son who called to his elderly parents on a regular basis and carried out the duties on their farm.
It was totally out of character and he knew the defendant was genuinely sorry and had suffered a lot of remorse over the incident.
Mr Patrick Durcan, solicitor for the defendant, said his client was returning home after making arrangements for the christening of their first child which was due to take place later that day.
Mr Joyce went immediately the following day and apologised to the injured party. He was extremely remorseful over what had happened.
Judge Shields said it was an appalling' act which deserved a six month jail sentence. He said he was taking on board the evidence of local PP Fr Liam Durcan but was not making any promises that a jail sentence would be avoided.
Judge Shields adjourned his decision in relation to the assault on the understanding that substantial' compensation be paid to the injured party.
He also said the defendant would have to be punished for such an appalling crime'.
He imposed a two year driving ban with an endorsement and a fine
of £200 on the drunk driving charge and also ordered a report from
the court probation officer.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - December 1996
