U2 ‘creative consultant’ gardener facing jail for Dublin Airport attack | BreakingNews.ie

A landscape gardener self-described as a “creative consultant” for U2 is facing jail for attacking a Dublin Airport worker who was knocked unconscious with a punch.

Mark McCabe (58) is an accomplished gardener who once reached a semi-final of the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, Dublin District Court heard on Friday.

Mr McCabe maintained he had been in Dublin to discuss a project with singer and artist Gavin Friday.

He was due to fly home on November 9th, but “stressed” Mr McCabe got into a row with airport staff about his boarding pass and punched the officer at gate 106.

The victim was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Garda Emmet O’Byrne charged Mr McCabe with assault causing harm, the court heard.

Mr McCabe, who had previously told the court, “I have mobility issues with my hands,” had initially pleaded not guilty. However, he changed it and admitted the offence on Friday.

Judge John Hughes heard staff were scanning boarding cards, but Mr McCabe “scanned his own card without being invited to do so”.

One of the workers asked him why, and it was claimed Mr McCabe replied: “Okay, I made a mistake; what are you going to do about it?”

Staff asked him to keep his voice down, and he demanded to speak to a manager.

He was advised to wait, calm down and take a seat, or he would be banned from boarding due to his disruptive behaviour.

He punched the official in the jaw, knocking him unconscious, and his fist was swollen after he delivered the blow.

The victim suffered soft tissue injuries, was treated with painkillers, and took a week off work on medical advice.

Mr McCabe has given a relative’s address at Kilcross Square, Sandyford, Dublin 18, but lives in London.

He told the court that through his work as a landscaper, he was a creative consultant for U2 and that he had been in Dublin to work for Gavin Friday.

His solicitor, John Feaheny, said his client, who is “between projects at the moment,” was ashamed, appalled and genuinely remorseful.

The defence solicitor asked the judge to note his client was stressed from work at the time of the incident.

The accused was recently diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and was getting treatment.

Mr McCabe, who has no previous convictions, addressed the court about how he had been rehearsing an apology at home for the past month.

However, Judge Hughes said he was facing jail and noted that the accused had not considered compensation.

He adjourned sentencing until September 27th to give Mr McCabe an opportunity to offer compensation and “try to convince me why I shouldn’t send him to jail”.