Woman faces trial for alleged attack

A woman has been returned for trial in connection with the alleged multiple stabbing of another female.

A book of evidence was served at Ennis District Court yesterday on Charlene Sherlock, aged 22, of Dromard, Lahinch Rd, Ennis, Co Clare.

She is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Nicole Keane, aged 23, in the grounds of the Holy Family School, Ennis, on Apr 13.

Ms Sherlock, who has a six-month-old child, is also charged with producing a steak knife at the school on the same day.

Ms Keane had suffered stab wounds to the upper chest in the alleged assault.

Yesterday, Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the case proceeding on indictment to Ennis Circuit Court.

Garda Irene O’Flynn told the court that she served the book of evidence on Ms Sherlock’s solicitor, John Casey.

Ms Sherlock has been remanded in custody with consent to bail, set by the High Court, but has not been in a position to take up that bail, her solicitor said.

The accused has been in custody since Apr 15.

Mr Casey said bail now lapsed as the case had been forwarded to the circuit court. However, he said the accused would not be making a fresh bail application. “The bail has been previously sought and I have discussed the situation with my client.”

Making an application for legal aid for the circuit court case, Mr Casey said: “This is a very serious case and I would ask for legal aid to certify for one senior counsel and one junior counsel and myself to represent Ms Sherlock in the circuit court.”

Judge Mary Larkin asked what was the State’s attitude to the application for a senior counsel. Insp Kennedy replied: “There is no objection from the state to the legal aid for senior counsel as this is a serious case. That is acknowledged.”

Judge Larkin sent forward Ms Sherlock for trial to the next sitting of Ennis Circuit Court.