Two charged with disorder over bar violence

Two men were arrested yesterday and charged with engaging in violent disorder at the Manhattan Bar in Togher, Cork, last Christmas, arising out of an incident where a man was killed.

Gerard Delaney, aged 51, from Mahon in Cork, was fatally assaulted in the early hours of Dec 27 at Lower Friars Walk, Ballyphehane, Cork.

The deceased’s brother, Finbarr Delaney, aged 48, of 4 Plunkett Rd, Cork, and Keith Spillane, aged 36, of 10 Ashbrook Heights, Lehenaghmore, Togher, Cork, appeared yesterday at Cork District Court.

Sgt Dave Treacy arrested Mr Delaney and charged him with engaging in violent disorder with Gerard Delaney and Mr Spillane at the Manhattan Bar in the early hours of Dec 27, 2011.

A violent disorder charge is brought where it is alleged that a defendant engages with others to use or threaten to use unlawful violence in a manner that causes fear in others.

Det Garda Anthony Harrington charged Mr Spillane with engaging in violent disorder on the same occasion with the Delaney brothers.

Spillane was also charged with producing a pickaxe handle during the alleged incident.

On the application of Insp Michael McGuire, Judge James O’Connor remanded both of the accused on bail until Jan 23 at Cork District Court.

Bail conditions require both men to sign on Mondays and Fridays at Togher garda station. In addition, Mr Spillane was ordered to surrender his passport to gardaí.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, was appointed on free legal aid to represent both accused.