Crying defendant told pull himself together

A man who continually cried during a bail application was told by a judge to pull himself together and not act like a 16 year old caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

Raymond McDonagh, aged 28, of Ard Alainn, Bruree, Co Limerick, appeared before Limerick District Court, charged with assault causing harm to Carolann Keenehan, in the car park of the Brothers of Charity, on Mulgrave St, Limerick, on June 12.

Mr McDonagh, who was on crutches, was also charged with the unauthorised taking of Ms Keenehan’s Nissan on the same date. The vehicle was found 12 hours later submerged in water at Quilty pier in West Clare.

Detective Garda Barry O’Grady alleged that Mr McDonagh approached Ms Keenehan in the car park of her workplace at around 8am and struck her on the head with a crutch.

He said the accused then drove off at speed in Ms Keenehan’s car with the terrified owner inside.

Det Garda O’Grady said after driving around for a few minutes, Mr McDonagh allowed her to get out at the Ballysimon Roundabout after she pleaded with him.

During a bail hearing, Det Garda O’Grady said he believed Mr McDonagh would commit further serious offences while on bail if he was granted it and said the alleged offences were extremely serious.

“Someone could have been seriously injured,” he said.

Mr McDonagh broke down a number of times during the court hearing.

Judge Mary Larkin said she was “concerned” for the accused’s well-being.

“Would you behave like an adult. You’re like a 16-year old who got caught with his hands in the cookie jar. Now pull yourself together.”

She granted bail on condition that half of a €6,000 surety be lodged in cash with the court; that the accused stay away from the alleged victim; that he sign on twice daily at Bruff Garda Station; and that he be available to gardaí at all times.

Mr McDonagh was remanded to appear before Limerick District Court, on June 21, for directions from the DPP.