Four charged with Franklin assault

Four men were arrested and charged today with assault causing serious harm to a Cork Institute of Technology student who has been on a life support machine since February last year.

Denis Franklin (aged 21) of Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, was seriously injured in the early hours of February 27, 2002 at Kift's Lane on Grand Parade.

Today, four men were arrested and brought before Cork District Court on a charge of assault causing serious harm to Mr Franklin on the date in question.

Ian Cronin (aged 20) from 4 Shamrock Ave, Douglas, Cork; Alan Harte (aged 20) from 20 Leamlara Close, Togher, Cork; Robert Carlile (aged 21) from 22 Grangewood Court, Douglas and William St Ledger (aged 20) from 49 Woodview, Pinecroft, Douglas, are the four defendants.

They are each accused of assault causing harm to Mr Franklin at Kift's Lane on the Grand Parade contrary to Section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

None of the four men made any reply when arrested, charged and cautioned with the offence, Det Sgt Mick Fitzpatrick and Det Garda Dan Lane told Cork District Court.

Det. Sgt. Fitzpatrick said that the State would allege that Mr Franklin was assaulted on February 16, 2002 and since then he's been in hospital and in a vegetative state.

Insp Con Cadogan said Gardai had no objection to all four getting bail but they were anxious that the bail would include substantial independent sureties and a number of conditions.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc adjourned the case to Cork District Court in a week's time for preparation of the book of evidence.

Each man was remanded on bail of €300 and an independent surety of €1,000 to be lodged. They must sign on three times a week at Togher Garda Station.

They all gave an undertaking to surrender or not apply for new passports.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that case should be tried by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.