Speaking out for the first time since his adversary in a bar room fight pleaded no-contest — the equivalent of guilty — last Friday morning, City Councilman Mehaul O’Leary told this newspaper:
“He is guilty, and his plea just proves what I have been saying for 3 1/2 months. I am innocent. But I have been unable to say that publicly because of legal advice.”
In a private interview, the Councilman characterized his assailant, his habits and his history.
Just before the 2 a.m. closing time on Sunday, Aug. 9, at Mr. O’Leary’s Irish pub, Joxer Daly’s, near the intersection of Washington and Sepulveda boulevards, Robert Anthony Singerman, 28, an occasional patron, decked Mr. O’Leary with one blow to the face. Broken bones, necessitating surgery, sent the Councilman to the hospital for almost a week.
According to Mr. O’Leary, he wanted Mr. Singerman to leave since closing time was at hand. He said Mr. Singerman resisted, and he agreed to take their dispute to the parking lot out back when a powerful right to the cheek threatened to rearrange his face.
After pleading no contest, Mr. Singerman was sentenced to two years of summary probation, and ordered not to venture within 100 yards of Mr. O’Leary or Mr. O’Leary’s pub during that time.
“I was a victim of this man with whom I did not have a friendship or a relationship,” the Councilman said.
“I did not even know his name until this incident.
“I can remember five times in the last two years when he was in my business.
“You always knew when he was there. At almost 300 pounds, he was a very imposing figure. He would come in wearing lots of medallions and rings.
“I didn’t know his name, but I did know ho he was,” Mr. O’Leary said.
“He was involved in two previous incidents in my business.
“One was an altercation, and another time he was escorted out after fighting a fellow. That was how I knew his face.”
