A 23-year-old Bunbeg man who was found fighting with his friend after New Year's Eve celebrations has been given a chance by Judge Desmond Zaidan at a recent sitting of An Clochan Liath District Court.

The court heard from Garda Martina Nolan that she observed Christopher McFadden of Knockastollar, Bunbeg, engage in a fist fight with another member of the public. She confirmed to Judge Desmond Zaidan that she saw the defendant "throw a punch" at the other person involved. She added, however, that McFadden was very co-operative when approached by gardai.

The defendant's solicitor, Ms Jacqui Sharkey explained that her client was an apprentice builder and had never been in trouble with the law before.

He had an argument with his friend and there was some "pushing" involved. She stressed that this was an isolated incident and no complaint of assault had been made by the other party in the argument.

Judge Zaidan stated that he would give the defendant "one chance" provided he paid 600 euro to Gweedore Nursing Home by September 11.