Northern Ireland

Man who admitted assaulting Catholic building contractor to be sentenced next month

Gary Chambers leaving an earlier court hearing
Gary Chambers leaving an earlier court hearing Gary Chambers leaving an earlier court hearing

A CO Down man who admitted assaulting a Catholic building contractor in what was described as a "sectarian hate crime" is to be sentenced next month.

Gary Chambers (36), from Sabbath Hill in Ballymartin, was due to be sentenced yesterday.

Defence QC Ciaran Murphy told Newry Crown Court heard that a psychiatric report for Chambers had been obtained but other details needed clarification.

The plea and sentence are now listed for Friday, June 4.

Building contractor Paschal Morgan, a father-of-two, was attacked as he walked home along Greencastle Road in Kilkeel late on July 14, 2019.

Paschal Morgan suffered severe head injuries after he was attacked in Kilkeel, Co Down, in 2019
Paschal Morgan suffered severe head injuries after he was attacked in Kilkeel, Co Down, in 2019 Paschal Morgan suffered severe head injuries after he was attacked in Kilkeel, Co Down, in 2019

He was left with bruising to the front of his brain, shattered eye sockets and cheekbones and had to have extensive surgery.

During an appearance in March, Chambers denied causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Morgan with intent but admitted causing him GBH "contrary to section 20 of the offences against the person act".

He also admitted attempting to cause criminal damage to gates and doors at the Kilmorey Arms Hotel in Kilkeel on July 14 2019.

The remaining two counts - accusing Chambers of robbing Mr Morgan of his wallet which contained £150 and €450 and making a threat to kill him - were left on the books.