Irishman accused of throwing partygoer off booze boat

AN Irishman accused of throwing a fellow partygoer over the railings of a ‘booze cruise’ ship in the US remained in jail last night after bail was set at $5m.

It is believed there is a high risk of William Monaghan fleeing because he is an Irish citizen.

The 27-year-old carpenter, who lives in San Francisco, is accused of throwing a 30-year-old Swiss national overboard during the cruise late last Saturday night.

Prosecutor Jim Hammer told a court in the west coast city that Mr Monaghan has denied he tangled with the victim, Lionel Voilat. But the prosecutor added that at least one witness said the accused was seen picking up the victim and throwing him over the railing about 11.30pm on Saturday night.

Mr Hammer said there is no evidence as yet that the two men physically fought, but some witnesses claimed the victim may have been trying to stop the accused bothering women on the boat. Other reports alleged Mr Monaghan’s girlfriend was on the boat at the time and had struck up a conversation with Mr Voilat.

The prosecutor said police interviewed or obtained phone numbers for the 270 passengers aboard the boat, the Royal Prince, but did not take blood or urine samples from Monaghan. Homicide investigators were not immediately called but are now working on the case.

He added that Monaghan has been charged with murder but it would be “later for the jury” to decide whether it will be first-degree or the lesser second-degree.

Mr Monaghan, due in court again today at 5pm Irish time, was described by court reporters as a tall, slender man. He did not enter a plea. His lawyer Brendon Wen said after Wednesday’s court appearance that he could not comment on the case but said he had spoken to his client.

The body of the victim has not been found despite an extensive search of waters close to where he fell in. Ten vessels, including some attached to the US Coast Guard, searched the waters off Hunters’ Point for around 12 hours after the incident.

The Royal Prince, chartered by a rave production company, left Fisherman’s Wharf early on Saturday evening for a $35-a-head Halloween party, where revellers drank and danced on several floors.

Inspector Sergio Chin said he escorted the victim’s crying girlfriend off the boat and into a waiting patrol car. Insp Chin added: “Witnesses say the suspect threw the victim overboard.”