Man who admitted involvement in the killing of a fellow lithuanian in 2007 has being jailed for "merciless" attacks including kicks to his victims' heads.
Vaidotas Stirbys (24), of Glencairne in dungannon, Co Tyrone, was sentenced to nine months after pleading guilty to eight offences in Cookstown on June 16 last year.
Four of the charges relate to a "martial arts, kick-boxing-type" attack at the Royal Hotel when Stirbys assaulted a man and two women, some of whom were injured by kicks to the head.
The second set of offences began a short time later when the defendant carried out the same type of attack on a second man, before turning on police who arrived at the scene and similarly assaulting two officers, whilst resisting arrest. At Dungannon Magistrates Court yesterday, a defence barrister said his client - a father of two young children - deeply regretted the attacks and had shown significant remorse.
Judge Meehan reminded the court of Stirbys's involvement in the death of Donatas Velicka (20) in 2007, for which a co-accused admitted manslaughter. although it was noted that Stirbys was convicted only of causing actual bodily harm, he had engaged in kicking the victim and was sentenced to carry out 240 hours' community service. "He of all people should know the terrible tragedies which such violence behaviour can bring," Judge Meehan said. "despite being aware of this in his recent past, he is again engaging in high violence and kicking out viciously. i am particularly concerned at his sustained attack on the two women.''
Rejected a suspended or concurrent sentence, Judge Meehan said: "This was a merciless attack by someone who was well aware of the dangers of kicking persons to the head and the tragedies which follow. This was an exceptionally gruesome case."