Man accused of punching woman unconscious in bar

A 33-year-old man has been remanded in custody with consent to bail after he was charged with three counts of threatening to kill, and one each of endangerment and assault causing harm.

It is alleged that all of the incidents are related and took place within a space of 10 hours on last Monday, February 17.

The charges were brought against Gareth Hill, of 18 The View, Gleann Na Ri, Tower, Blarney, Co Cork.

Cork District Court yesterday heard Garda John O’Connell of Gurranabraher station give evidence of arresting, charging, and cautioning Mr Hill.

Garda O’Connell told Judge Leo Malone he was objecting to bail being granted because of the seriousness of the charges.

It is alleged that during the early hours of Monday at Soho bar on Grand Parade in the city, Mr Hill punched a middle-aged woman unconscious and left her with a suspected broken nose. She was subsequently treated at Mercy University Hospital for her injuries.

The counts of threatening to kill and endangerment relate to incidents alleged to have happened at Woodfield Hall, Station Rd, Blarney, later that day.

Garda O’Connell said all the incidents were related and “escalated in nature” over the 10 hours.

The alleged victims are members of a family which include the middle-aged woman allegedly attacked by Mr Hill in the bar.

Garda O’Connell said CCTV footage from the bar was of excellent quality.

Frank Buttimer, for Mr Hill, argued that although he agreed the charges were serious, they could still be dealt with by the district court and not a higher court. He also said his client hardly knew the alleged victims and would not interfere with them or any witnesses.

However, Inspector Eileen Foster argued: “These are very serious charges and I would implore the court not to grant bail.”

Mr Hill was remanded in custody with consent to bail providing he abide with seven conditions, including residing at his given address, adhering to a daily curfew from 9pm to 8am, signing on daily at Gurranabraher Garda Station, and staying away from six witnesses.

Mr Hill, who is unemployed, was ordered to appear before Cork District Court on February 26 and was granted free legal aid.

The judge said he expected then to have direction from the DPP on whether Mr Hill would answer the charges in the district court or circuit court.