Man refused bail to support girlfriend

ONE of the men charged in relation to the fatal stabbing of a man in Mahon, Cork, in August, wanted to be released on bail yesterday to be of support to his pregnant girlfriend.

Solicitor Eddie Burke, defending, said this was the main reason Jason Quinlan, 28, wanted to be released on bail yesterday.

Quinlan is facing a charge of assault causing harm to 24-year-old Brian McKee who was injured at Ballinure Avenue, Mahon, on August 25 and died as a result of his injuries later that day.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc rejected the application made by Quinlan of 11 Loughmahon Drive, Mahon, Cork, at Cork District Court yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Declan O’Sullivan objected to bail being granted to Quinlan because of the seriousness of the incident which he said could not be overstated.

“Jason Quinlan is addicted to a number of controlled drugs including cocaine and heroin. He can spend up to €€300 a day on drugs. I believe he would commit serious offences to feed that habit. Given the gravity of this charge, I believe there is an incentive for him not to turn up.”

Mr Burke said the defendant presented himself voluntarily to gardaí in relation to this case and had been co-operative with their investigation. He said the defendant’s partner was due to give birth in the new year and Quinlan wanted bail so he could be of assistance to her during her pregnancy.

Judge MacGruairc refused to grant bail and remanded the defendant in custody to appear at Cork District Court on October 17.

John Brett, 24, of 26A Leitrim Street, Cork, is also charged with assault causing harm to Brian McKee on August 25. He was previously remanded in custody to appear in court on October 15.