Assault victim ‘left in permanent vegetative state’

A MAN pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of assault causing serious harm to young Limerick man Denis Franklin, who has been left in what was described a permanent vegetative state.

Ian Cronin, 20, from Shamrock Avenue, Douglas, Cork, had the case against him listed for trial yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

When he was arraigned on the sole count on the indictment he replied “Guilty”. The charge was of assault causing serious harm to Mr Franklin, 21, of Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, in the early hours of February 17 2002 at Kift’s Lane on Grand Parade, Cork.

Prosecution barrister, Pearse Sreenan told Judge Sean Ó Donnabháin that Mr Franklin was in a permanent vegetative state.

John Edwards SC, counsel for Cronin, asked for sentencing to be adjourned to the next Cork Circuit Criminal Court sessions beginning on February 16, 2004.

“There is a probation and welfare report on file on Mr Cronin which shows that he was making quite significant progress in dealing with drink and drug use. This progress continues but I would like another report to confirm that,” Mr Edwards said.

The judge directed the preparation of a new probation and welfare report on Cronin in the circumstances.

In another courtroom at Cork Circuit Criminal Court yesterday, Judge Patrick J Moran agreed to a State application to adjourn the trial of three men who deny a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Franklin.

The three defendants are: Alan Harte, 20, from Leamlara Close, Togher, Cork; Robert Carlile, 21, from Grangewood Court, Douglas, Cork; and William St Ledger, 20, from Woodview, Pinecroft, Douglas.

They were remanded on continuing bail to appear in Cork Circuit Criminal Court for the sessions starting on February 16 next.