Bouncers attacked man 'for no reason', court hears - Ireland

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http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/ireland ... 50511.html

A 22-year-old man who claims that security staff at a nightclub "set upon him for no reason" and assaulted him has told the High Court that he "feared for his life" after being grabbed around the neck.

Student Alan Danagher, from The Derries, Erill, Co Laois claims that he was assaulted and removed Mr O's Nightclub in Templemore Co Tipperary shortly after he was knocked to the ground by two individuals, whom he did not know, who were involved in a fracas.

Mr Danagher, has sued Glantine Inns Limited, Main Street, Templemore Co Tipperary for damages on the grounds that he was assaulted and battered by agents of the defendant at the defendant's premises on December 26, 2005.

He claims their action resulted in personal injuries, and that the defendants were negligent and in breach of their duty of care towards him.

The defendants deny Mr Danagher claims.

Opening the case, John Peart SC for Mr Danagher said that Mr Danagher was grabbed by the neck when security staff who mistakenly believed his client was involved in a fight.

Counsel said that Mr Danagher was thrown on the ground and began to have a fit. He also lost consciousness before being thrown out on the street.

Counsel added that nothing was done to assist him, or get his client medical attention. Eventually Mr Danagher was taken by ambulance to Nenagh, but was released the following morning.

Counsel said that he suffered injuries to his neck and back, had problems sleeping and required counselling and medical treatment.

In reply to his counsel Stephen Lanigan-O'Keeffe SC Mr Danagher described being grabbed around the neck as a "moment of darkness" because he could not breath. "I thought it was going to be the end of me," he said.

He said that at the time of the incident he was a student at WIT, but was unable to do exams in January 2006.

He claims that after the assault he became depressed, and was feeling low and was unable to complete the year. He said that he was at home he felt demoralised and his relationship with his family suffered.

He attempted to repeat the year but that did not work out, and eventually dropped out. He returned to college in Cork, however.

Before the incident he was playing rugby, GAA and boxing. He has been unable to return to playing any of the sports he enjoyed because he gets pains in his back.

The case, before Ms Justice Mary Irvine, continues.