Sentenced for chain attack on store assistant

AN ANGOLAN national was jailed for nine months after he struck a shop worker with a bicycle chain in the head as he demanded a refund for an earlier purchase.  Rogerio Joao, aged 43, with an address at Apartment 1, Catherine Street, was charged with the section 3 assault of the female cashier, on September 21 last.  Joao, the court was told in evidence by Sergeant Donal Cronin, entered the William Street store and went to the upstairs till area, confronted the female cashier and made a demand for the refund of an earlier purchase he made.

The injured party, Sabrina Douglas, was struck by the defendant in the head with a bicycle chain.  Rogerio wanted to return the chain, valued at €4.99, but became agitated during the confrontation.
Ms Douglas suffered a laceration and a soft tissue wound and was treated at the Mid Western Regional Hospital for her injuries.
The accused was restrained by security staff and arrested by Garda Noel Nash, and conveyed to Henry Street Garda Station, where he was charged with the assault.
John Herbert, solicitor, told the court that Joao was resident in Ireland for the last 13 years and came to Limerick after he was subject to military persecution due to his connection with an independence movement in his home province of Nivenda.
The court was told the accused was on social welfare and of a nervous disposition due to his beliefs in his home country.
John Herbert told the court that Joao was apologetic to the injured party and the court for his actions, and that there was no dispute with Ms Douglas.
Judge Eamon O’Brien convicted and sentenced him to nine months in prison and granted leave to appeal by setting recognisance at a cash lodgement of €3,000.
Joao was taken into custody.