‘SIGNIFICANT INJURIES’ | 

Kerry man charged with knife attack after teenager ‘slashed’ in Cahersiveen

The teenager is currently in Cork University Hospital with significant injuries. His face, neck and arms had been ‘slashed’, the court was told.

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A 51-year-old man has appeared at a sitting of Killarney District Court charged with the assault of a teenager causing him harm.

The teenager is currently in Cork University Hospital with significant injuries. His face, neck and arms had been ‘slashed’, the court was told.

Thomas McDonagh of 3 Fertha Drive, Cahersiveen is charged that he assaulted the minor causing him harm, at Fertha Drive, Cahersiveen on February 12.The charge is contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Thomas McDonagh is also charged with producing an article, ‘a scalpel with a sharply pointed blade’, in the course of the alleged assault, contrary to Section 11 of the Weapons and Firearms Offences Act, 1990.

Evidence of arrest charge and caution was by way of schedule, the court on Tuesday was told. Mr McDonagh had made no reply to the charges.

Patrick Barrett, barrister, instructed by John Cashell Solicitor, submitted an application for legal aid.

Prosecuting garda, Sergeant Stephen O’Brien told Judge David Waters a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The injured party was currently at Cork University Hospital (CUH), Sgt O’Brien said.

“The allegation is the injured party’s face, hands and neck were slashed. Two knives were used, one in each hand,” Sgt O’Brien said.

The teenager’s injuries were not life threatening, but his injuries were “ significant,” the prosecuting garda said.

The State’s application was to remand Thomas McDonagh in custody to appear via video link in Tralee District Court on Wednesday.

Judge David Waters said he would reserve his decision on jurisdiction.

Mr Barrett said he was applying for bail and his client was willing to abide by certain conditions.

Garda Nigel Hennessy said gardaí were objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the offence.

“Serious but not life-threatening?,” asked Judge Waters.

“There were serious lacerations to hand, arm, face and neck,” Garda Hennessy said, adding he had photographs of the injuries.

The accused had possession of a weapon capable of inflicting injury, gardaí alleged. There were also addiction issues they said.

He was of volatile character, the garda added. Gardaí were also concerned that the accused would interfere with witnesses.

“Further more serious charges may be proffered,” Garda Hennessy said adding there was strong evidence.

Trial by indictment was likely, the garda also said.

Mr Barrett, defence barrister, said there was no evidence of volatility put forward. His client would be arguing self-defence; there was the presumption of innocence and his client was willing to abide by certain conditions on bail, including undertaking he would not interfere with witnesses.

Judge David Waters refused bail and remanded Mr McDonagh in custody to appear via video link at Tralee District Court on Wednesday 14th February via video link for DPP directions.