Fr Michael Cleary's son Ross back in court on assault charge

A man, who was allegedly attacked by actor and model Ross Hamilton last October is still receiving treatment for his injuries, a court heard today.

The defendant - a son of Fr Michael Cleary, one of Ireland's best known priests who died in 1993 - appeared at Dublin District Court today for a fourth time since he was charged.

Mr Hamilton (aged 33), of Whitworth Road, in Phibsboro, in Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to a male, breach of the peace and being intoxicated in public at Prospect Way, in Glasnevin, in Dublin, on October 1 last.

He also faces charges for unlawful possession of a quantity of cannabis and violent behaviour at Mountjoy garda station, on the same date.

Judge Denis McLoughlin heard today that the DPP had directed summary disposal meaning the case should stay in the jurisdiction of the District Court and not be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

However, Judge McLoughlin said that he could not rule on the issue of jurisdiction and venue for the defendant's trial until a medical report on the complainant's injuries had been furnished to the court.

He noted that the alleged incident was in October and said: “It is now January, he is still receiving ongoing treatment, I will need an actual report.”

The court heard that the medical report could be made available next week. Judge McLoughlin remanded Mr Hamilton, who remained silent during the case, on continuing bail to appear again on January 28 next.

Earlier in the case, the court had also directed the State to provide disclosure of CCTV evidence to the defence.

Following the death of Fr Cleary, who was popularly known as the “Singing Priest”, it was revealed that he had fathered two children with his housekeeper Phyllis Hamilton with whom he had a relationship for 26 years.

Their first child was given up for adoption, while their second son, Ross, lived in Dublin at parochial house in Harold's Cross, with Fr Cleary and Hamilton, who died in 2001.