Two men face murder charges after fatal assault in park

TWO men, accused of assaulting a 43-year-old man who died from serious injuries early on Saturday morning, could face murder charges.

Jonathan Tuohy, aged 19, of Edward Street, Limerick, and Darren Wallace, aged 20, of Assumpta Park, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, were charged with assaulting Noel Carmody, aged 43, a native of Ballingarry, Co Limerick, causing him harm at Arthur’s Quay Park on September 27.

Gardaí opposed applications for bail at a special sitting of Limerick District Court at the weekend on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges and fears that the accused would flee the jurisdiction and not stand trial if granted bail.

Garda Denis Counihan, Henry Street Garda Station, gave evidence of formally arresting and charging Jonathan Tuohy with the assault and the accused made no reply to the charge after caution. Garda Carol Leahy also gave evidence of arresting and charging Darren Wallace with the offence, and the accused replied “no.”

Detective sergeant Eamon O’Neill told Judge Tom O’Donnell that the State will be alleging that the injured party was struck on the ground with an iron bar at 4.30pm on Saturday, September 27, at Arthur’s Quay Park, “and died as a result of his injuries at 7.15am in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

Inspector John Scanlon alleged that the deceased was assaulted in the course of a robbery and that murder charges were being contemplated in this case.

The accused were remanded to the court sitting next Wednesday.