By Eimear Dodd
Four men have been sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their roles in a fight in a pub, which gardai discovered while reviewing CCTV as part of another investigation.
Adam Baker (25), Clayton Lieghio (23) , Glen Lieghio (28) and Jamie Boyd (25) each pleaded to affray on October 24, 2021 at Priorswood Inn, Priorswood.
Detective Garda Alan Roche outlined to the court that no report was made to gardai, but they became aware of this incident while investigating a separate manner.
The court heard that there was a verbal disagreement between two parties in the pub, which escalated, and a large group of people became involved.
CCTV footage of the incident was played to the court, showing each man’s involvement during the 60-second incident.
Baker of Marigold Grove, Darndale, Dublin 17 struck an individual and threw a glass.
He has 72 previous convictions, primarily at the District Court, and is serving a sentence on a separate matter
Clayton Lieghio of Primrose Grove, Darndale, Dublin 17 was seen in the CCTV throwing a bottle, a glass and a chair.
He has been in custody on this matter since February 2024 after surrendering his bail and has three previous convictions for road traffic offences.
The court heard that Glen Lieghio of Watermill Apartments, Watermill Road, Raheny, Dublin 5 threw a chair during the incident. He has two previous convictions for violent disorder and criminal damage.
Boyd with an address at Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin 17 threw bottles at two different individuals.
He has eight convictions for road traffic offences, which postdate this incident.
Det Gda Roche said the four men were on the “same side” in this disagreement and were identified from the CCTV footage.
Each of the four men were arrested and interviewed, but nothing of evidential value was obtained.
No victim impact statements were provided to the court.
Judge Martin Nolan said the four men had an “active” involvement in the incident.
Having considered the facts of the case and the mitigation, he said the four men each had their own stories, “good points” and had pleaded guilty.
He handed Clayton Lieghio a 12-month sentence backdated to February 2024, when he went into custody.
Judge Nolan imposed an 18-month suspended sentence on Boyd, noting that while affray is “serious”, the court didn’t think Boyd “deserves custodial term for this misbehaviour”.
The judge said Baker had “participated fully” in the incident and has previous convictions, but “there is hope for him”. He jailed Baker for ten months.
Judge Nolan noted Glen Lieghio’s previous conviction is of some antiquity, and that he is now “contributing meaningfully” to his family and working. He imposed an 18-month sentence, suspended on strict conditions.
Det Gda Roche agreed with Simon Matthews BL, defending Baker, that CCTV shows his client came from outside of the pub to join the incident.
It was further accepted that Baker first came before the courts as a teenager, with Det Gda Roche agreeing with Mr Matthews that his client could be described as a “troubled youth”, has a history of substance abuse issues and that his cellmate passed away last year.
The garda agreed that Baker was easy to deal with and that he has mental health issues.
Det Gda Roche agreed with Garrett McCormack BL, for Clayton, that his client has suffered family tragedies and has a history of substance abuse.
It was further accepted that Clayton’s previous convictions post-date this incident, his family are supportive and that he became involved in the incident after it had started.
Det Gda Roche further agreed with counsel for Boyd that his client was 19 at the time, and had no convictions at this point.
The garda also agreed with Pieter Le Vert BL, for Glen Lieghio, that his client’s previous convictions date back to 2018 when he was 18 and there has been no trouble since.
Defence counsel for each of the four men asked the court to take into account their client’s personal circumstances, guilty pleas and other mitigating factors.
Mr Matthews for Baker handed in a psychological report, a probation report and a letter of apology.
Baker was given temporary release following the death of his cellmate and later voluntarily returned to custody.
He left school after his Junior Certificate, has addiction issues and longstanding mental health issues.
Mr Matthews said his client has realised he must address his issues or he will continue to come before the courts.
Baker is attempting to deal with his issues by himself, but is not currently getting support for his addiction and mental health issues while in custody, but is on a waiting list for drugs counselling. He said Baker engages with services when they are available to him.
Mr Matthews said his client had suffered a bike accident in 2020 and could be seen limping on the CCTV.
Judge Nolan remarked that Baker engaged in the incident with “a huge amount of enthusiasm, and that overcame any physical challenges”.
Mr Matthews said his client “doesn’t shy away” from his involvement and had pleaded guilty.
In mitigation on behalf of Clayton Lieghio, Mr McCormack said his client has had a lot of tragedy in his life, has family support and has addiction issues.
Counsel for Boyd said his client was struggling with addiction issues at the time, but has “turned his life around” and is now doing an apprenticeship.
A number of references and a letter of apology were also handed to the court.
Counsel said Boyd is the “lynchpin” of his family and contributes financially to the family unit.
Mr Le Vert for Glen Lieghio told the court his client has a work history and has been engaging with services since 2021.
A reference was handed to the court on behalf of Glen, who is also involved in programmes where he gives talks in schools, encouraging them not to take the same path.