A suspected fuel smuggler who was "a pillar of the community" has been jailed for three years for an attack on a man who publicly criticised cross-border fuel smuggling and diesel laundering.
Eugene Hanratty Senior, 63, from Castleblaney Road, Crossmaglen in south Armagh, was convicted by a jury after he had denied assaulting Martin McAllister near his home in Castleblayney in Co Monaghan, on 24 November 2012.
It was the third time he was tried for the offence.
Mr McAllister was attacked after he had met senior politicians to speak out about cross-border fuel smuggling and diesel washing.
Hanratty Snr ran a fuel distribution company, but denied claims by the Criminal Assets Bureau that he was a fuel smuggler.
However, he subsequently made a confidential settlement with CAB, which targets the proceeds of crime and froze €2m in 12 bank accounts for six years.
He has two previous convictions in Co Monaghan for assaulting a garda and criminal damage.
Mr McAllister said the attack had a devastating effect on his life both physically and mentally.
He suffered multiple broken bones in his face, both his eye sockets had been broken and he has been left with a permanent loss of his peripheral vision.
Mr McAllister said the nerves in his face were also damaged, he has been left with excruciating pain to the left side of his face and had a titanium implant fitted below his left eye, which altered sensation down the left side of his face.
He said this has left him with constant issues while eating and drinking. His right arm was stamped on and he went in and out of consciousness during the attack.
Mr McAllister said it was significant that Hanratty Snr stamped on his right arm because he knew he was a musician.
He also described problems with his sinuses as a result and said he continues to have problems with injuries he received to his right arm.
"It has been a ten-year long wait for justice, which has taken a toll on my mental well-being. I have lost confidence and I struggle every day to keep myself going," Mr McAllister said in his victim impact statement.
"There is no escape from this torture."
The attack was witnessed by Mr McAllister's wife Mary, who said she asked Hanratty Snr to stop because she was concerned if the assault continued the injuries would be fatal for her husband.
Hanratty's son also asked him to stop.
Hanratty Snr’s defence counsel today described him as "a pillar of the community," who is a polite, caring and compassionate family man, who is remorseful and has never been in prison before.
Senior Counsel Padraig Dwyer said Hanratty Snr was "a decent human being" who worked hard all his life, who donated to local charities and supported the GAA and "rears turkeys to distribute to struggling families at Christmas".
He also sponsors Crossmaglen Rangers GAA club.
Judge Melanie Greally described it as an unprovoked and premeditated assault. She rejected Hanratty Snr's expression of remorse, which she said was because of the consequences of his actions and not directed at the victim.
He did not apologise to Mr McAllister for the injuries he caused.
She sentenced him to four years in prison, with the final year suspended.
