A LOUNGE-BOY in a Dublin nightclub was glassed in the face and lost two front teeth when he tried to stop an assault on a woman.

Silviu Voivod (31) of Little Pace, Clonee, Co Meath will be sentenced later after pleading guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Robert McMickan at Dandelion Bar & Nightclub, St Stephen’s Green in Dublin 2 on October 12, 2014. He has no previous convictions.

Una Tighe BL, prosecuting, told the court that Mr McMickan was a first year college student who was working part-time as a lounge boy in Dandelion Bar & Nightclub in October 2014.

On the night, the victim entered the VIP section of the nightclub when he felt a knock on his shoulder. He turned around to see a woman being "gripped" around the neck by the accused. He tried to intervene to help her but saw a glass “coming straight for his face.”

Voivod then “came at him” with punches to his back, side and head, the court heard.

Garda Mary O’Hara agreed with counsel that Voivod got away and Mr McMickan was taken to Tallaght hospital.

The victim’s front right tooth was completely knocked out along with half of his left tooth.

He also had cuts to his upper lip and his face was scarred, the court heard.

Mr McMickan had to attend the emergency department at Dublin Dental University Hospital to get substitute teeth put in as the nerves were exposed. He later got both teeth replaced and as a result missed two weeks of college.

The court heard that Mr McMickan has been left with scars on his face and felt he was a victim of an “unprovoked attack.” His medical bills amounted to in excess of €5,000.

Luigi Rea BL, defending, told the court that Voivod was in a relationship and had a young son.

He said his client had made no effort to flee the country and brought €500 to court with him today to give to Mr McMickan as an expression of his remorse.

“He apologises and he feels very bad for what he has done,” said the barrister.

Voivod pleaded guilty at the earliest possible stage and did not seek a trial date, the court heard.

Judge Melanie Greally said the accused was looking at a custodial sentence and these types of “glassing incidents” could not be tolerated and were "becoming far too frequent an occurrence."

The judge said that “a very strong message” needed to be sent out and she would impose a custodial sentence on December 6.

Online Editors