Sat Sep 14 06:35:53 UTC 2024: ## Letterkenny Man Wields Machete After Ear Bite Attack, Court Hears

**Letterkenny, Donegal** – A 23-year-old Letterkenny man appeared in court this week after allegedly brandishing a machete at his home following a brutal assault that left him with part of his ear bitten off.

Tom Ward, of Cashel Park, Lisnennan, was charged with producing an article during the course of a dispute, stemming from an incident that occurred on December 28, 2022.

Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that Gardaí were called to Ward’s home after reports of an assault. Upon arrival, they found Ward with injuries to both ears, including a partial removal of one ear. CCTV footage showed that after the attack, Ward retrieved a machete from his car and wielded it at a car containing two men. While the car sustained damage, its owner did not file a complaint.

Ward’s solicitor, Rory O’Brien, argued that his client was the victim in this situation, claiming that two men from outside the town had arrived at Ward’s home early one December morning with the sole purpose of assaulting him. O’Brien stated that Ward suffered severe injuries, including 20 stitches after the ear bite, and had been kicked and punched repeatedly in an unprovoked attack.

He further emphasized Ward’s innocence and claimed that he had been forced to defend himself and his family when he produced the machete. O’Brien cited Ward’s blocked WhatsApp communication with one of his attackers as evidence of the premeditation of the attack. He also highlighted the trauma Ward experienced as a result of this “vicious attack” and the subsequent need for counseling.

O’Brien asserted that the main assailant had fled the jurisdiction and is currently evading authorities. Charges are pending against him.

Despite the circumstances, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham deemed the incident more than a “tiff” and stressed that such behavior is unacceptable. She directed the preparation of a probation and welfare report and adjourned the case until December 19 for sentencing. Given Ward’s clean record, the Judge offered him a chance to “put his best foot forward.”

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