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.