A West Clare man who assaulted the principal at Labasheeda National School has been fined 750 euro.
Martin Tubridy of Quarry Vale House, Mountshannon, Labasheeda was convicted of the offence against teacher Liam Woulfe on December 9th 2011, and was sentenced before Kilrush District Court today.
Martin Tubridy punched Labasheeda Principal Liam Woulfe in the face after coming to see him over his son being put on the line earlier that day – saying "You’ve been at my son all week."
Judge Patrick Durcan had adjourned the case last November to see if mediation efforts between the two parties could make any progress, but in court today, he fined Martin Tubridy 750 euro, saying he had committed a very serious offence by assaulting a School Principal, who, as a leader in his community, is entitled to a level of respect.
Judge Durcan added that "there is a septic atmosphere in Labasheeda that has to be addressed", though he acknowledged that a report on the school by the Department of Education was very positive.
A statement from the Board of Management of Labasheeda National School has expressed total confidence in Principal Liam Woulfe and said "The totally unwarranted physical assault of a teacher in his classroom has to be regarded as wholly unacceptable behaviour."
