Laois court hears man allegedly attacked former partner with lump hammer
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN who allegedly hit his former partner ten times in the head and body with a lump hammer was before last week’s sitting of Portlaoise District Court, where the case was heard in camera.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was applying for bail, while Det Garda Neil Slevin said the state was objecting to bail.
Judge Andrew Cody asked for the detective to outline the grounds of his objection.
Det Slevin said that on 1 December, both the defendant and his now former partner were in her home when an argument took place, with the defendant allegedly becoming physical.
The detective said that the defendant allegedly: “Attacked her in the sitting room and struck her ten times in her head and body with a lump hammer and tried to smother her.” He said following the alleged assault, the defendant allegedly “took her car keys and stole her car. A short time later, we received a report of a single-vehicle crash. We found him (defendant) a short distance away from it. Her car is a write-off and he caused several thousands of euro damage to the wall he collided into.” Det Slevin handed into court the hammer which was allegedly used in the assault, which Judge Cody described as “effectively a mini sledgehammer.” He said the woman had sustained a broken eye socket in the alleged attack.
Det Slevin said that he would be very concerned for the woman’s future wellbeing and welfare if bail was granted to the defendant.
Mr Fitzgerald said, if granted bail, that his 31-year-old client would reside in another part of Laois and give an undertaking to stay away from his former partner’s home. He would also give an undertaking not to have direct or indirect contact with her.
He said at the time of the alleged incident his client “had discharged himself from Cuan Mhuire (addiction treatment centre) and was going through withdrawal symptoms. If there is an issue with interfering with the witness, I’d ask the court to impose strict conditions and keep a tight lead on him.” Taking the stand, the woman said: “Since this happened, I haven’t been able to return to my home. I’ve had a constant pain in my head. I fear he will come back if he is granted bail. He knows how to get into my home, through fields and over the wall. I have three small children to protect.” Noting the defendant is charged with assault causing harm and with the unlawful taking of a car, Judge Cody said: “Cars can be repaired, but it’s very unlikely (injured party) will ever recover from this. This strikes me as attempted murder charge could have been preferred, but it’s not up to me.” He went on to refuse bail to the defendant, remanded him in custody to 18 December and for the case to be heard by video link.
