Teenager gets bail despite Garda objections

A TEENAGER was yesterday granted bail at Limerick District Court despite Garda objections.

John O’Loughlin, 19, with an address at Mungret Street, Limerick, is charged with assault causing harm to Stephen McNamara, at Corbally last Saturday night.

The court heard it is anticipated that a further charge will be brought.

Detective Garda Enda Haugh objected to bail claiming that if given bail, O’Loughlin would interfere with witnesses, one of whom was witness to a murder.

He further opposed bail due to the seriousness of the charge, certain admissions made, the likelihood of further charges and the fact that O’Loughlin moved between a number of addresses.

Det Garda Haugh claimed the accused had no fixed address and was currently at an address in the city centre.

Det Garda Haugh agreed that the accused had no previous convictions.

John Devane, solicitor for O’Loughlin, said that on leaving hospital, Stephen McNamara had gone to O’Loughlin’s mother’s home and had not been interfered with.

John Hayes, father of the accused, said if given bail, his son would reside with his aunt, Trish O’Loughlin in Garryowen.

He said his son was studying for his Leaving at a VEC-run school.

He told Insp Pat Connolly he would make sure his son kept off the streets.

Mr Hayes said when he was driving his son to Henry Street Garda Station on Monday last, his son ran from his car at traffic lights and he thought he was heading for the river.

He said his son was in shock at the time.

He agreed with Insp Pat Connolly he was unable to make phone contact with son.

He said he had been drinking with his son earlier on Saturday prior to the alleged assault, but could not say if his son was intoxicated.

Granting bail, Judge Tom O’Donnell said the only matter before him was a section 3 assault.

As part of bail, cash of €2,500 has to be lodged.

O’Loughlin has to abide by a 10pm to 8am curfew. He also has to sign on at Henry Street Garda Station each day, and provide a permanent address.