Man charged with pensioner assault in Cork city

A man has been arrested and charged with a count of assault causing harm to an 79-year-old man in Cork City.

Detective Garda Gordon Crowley arrested Seán Heelan on Wednesday at Bridewell Garda Station and charged him with assault causing harm and an unrelated offence of causing criminal damage to a house.

Det Garda Crowley cautioned him that he did not have to say anything but that anything he might say would be taken down in writing and given in evidence. He replied “I am sorry” to both charges.

Judge Leo Malone said the directions of the DPP would be needed in the case. Inspector Ronan Kenneally said: “They would indeed, it is a serious matter.”

The inspector said the prosecution were applying to have the accused remanded in custody until next week for him to appear at Cork District Court by video link from prison.

Emmet Boyle, solicitor, said there was no application for bail in this case.

Judge Malone remanded Mr Heelan in custody until December 10.

The most serious charge against Mr Heelan, aged 29, of Cork Simon Community and originally from Boherbue, Co Cork, was one of assault causing harm to a 79-year-old man at St Paul’s Avenue, off Cornmarket St, Cork, at 9.30pm on Tuesday.

The pensioner was returning to his car parked on St Paul’s Avenue, near a service entrance for the shopping market in the area when the assault is alleged to have occurred. The victim was admitted to the Mercy Hospital where he was kept in overnight and treated for injuries to his face and head.

The second charge was of causing criminal damage to a house at Clifden Terrace, Summerhill North, Cork, on December 2.