Suspended sentence for assault on street construction workers

The two men involved in an attack against construction workers two years ago in Navan were both given an 18 month suspended sentence each.

Wayne Keogh (39), from Flowerhill, Navan, and Ian Keogh (33), from Mornington Avenue, Trim were, in Trim Circuit Court for sentence on 22nd October.

Ian Keogh was charged with assault causing harm, using threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and production of a hammer. Wayne Keogh was charged with using threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and production of a shovel.

It was alleged that on 13th September 2023 at Trimgate Street, Navan, the two accused, who were highly intoxicated, assaulted construction workers at streetscaping works taking place in the area.

Judge John Martin told the court that they were so intoxicated "in the middle of the day" that they could not follow simple traffic calming measures. Judge Martin said it was lucky the construction workers were "robust enough" to defend themselves and that it was "no sort of behaviour".

The incident had been captured on CCTV and widely circulated at the time.

The court heard they each have numerous previous convictions and Wayne Keogh has one matter still pending in the courts. They have serious addiction issues and have both apologised for their actions. The two accused have made efforts at rehabilitation and Ian Keogh has engaged with McDar, a Meath based addictions service.

Wayne and Ian Keogh were each given an 18 month sentence suspended for two years subject to a peace bond and that they attend probation meetings.