Strict curfew for one-legged man

A strict curfew has been placed on a one-legged man in Tralee accused of assault causing harm.

Before Tralee District Court yesterday was Keith Purcell, aged 39, with an address at Moynderwell, Tralee, charged with assaulting Grzeqorz Gawel at Ashe St, Tralee on March 26, causing him harm.

Superintendent Jim O’Connor said the State “continues to have serious reservations with regard to the possible interference with witnesses”.

Consent to bail would only be given on the most stringent conditions, said Supt O’Connor.

“This was a very serious matter where there was a stabbing causing very serious injury in the neck area,” he said. “This file has to go to the DPP for directions.”

Patrick Mann, solicitor for Mr Purcell, said that his client had “a very serious disability”. “He has only got one leg,” Mr Mann told the court.

Following an inquiry by Judge James O’Connor as to the nature of the loss of the limb, Mr Mann said Mr Purcell had suffered a blood clot and the leg had to be taken off three years ago. He was originally from Cork, the court heard.

Mr Purcell, who was standing near his solicitor, then showed the judge how he was missing the right limb.

“He agrees to sign on daily,” said Mr Mann.

Curfew conditions were then imposed, as well as a strict order that Mr Purcell was to make no contact with Me Gawel, who was in the courtroom yesterday.

Mr Purcell would be residing in Cork, the court was told.

The matter has been adjourned to July for instructions from the DPP.