An appeal by a man against a three-month suspended sentence for making a false statement concerning the Defence Minister was heard today.
Matt Larkin, aged 36, of Altimera Court in Thomondgate in Limerick was convicted in the District court last September of making a false statement to gardai that he was assaulted by Mr O’Dea during a heated political argument in the Bank Bar in Limerick in September 2007.
In his evidence to the Circuit Court today Mr O’Dea again vehemently denied that he had punched Mr Larkin or that he had grabbed him by the throat.
Mr O’Dea said he did not lay a hand on Mr. Larkin except to move him gently to one side after he became aggressive and the Minister thought he was going to be assaulted.
Judge Ray Fullem said he would make his decision on the appeal tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.
