Man charged in connection with vicious stabbing

By David Raleigh

Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with a vicious stabbing which left a knife stuck in the victim's face.

The men, aged 26 and 24, and with addresses in Limerick, were each charged with committing violent disorder.

The State will allege that a serious altercation occurred at around 6.35pm on Parnell St, Limerick on March 16 and that a man was stabbed a number of times with a large knife.

The victim was rushed to University Hospital Limerick, but later transferred to Galway University Hospital where he underwent a procedure to have a knife removed from his face.

At Limerick District Court, Detective Garda Brian O'Connor of Roxboro Road Garda station said he formally arrested John Bardon, 26, of Catherine St, Limerick yesterday and charged him with engaging in violent disorder by using or threatened to use unlawful violence and that such conduct would cause a person or persons to fear for their safety.

The charge is contrary to Section 15 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Detective Garda O'Connor also gave evidence that he also arrested Craig McMahon, 24, with an address at Parnell St, Limerick city.

Mr McMahon is also charged with violent disorder arising out of the same incident on March 16.

Both accused men -- who made no reply to each charge -- were granted free legal aid and appointed defence solicitors.

Sergeant Donal Cronin, Henry Street Garda station, said the State had no objection to bail provided the accused men adhered to strict bail conditions.

Mr Bardon and Mr McMahon were granted bail on their own bond of €500 and ordered to stay away from each other and two other named men. They were also ordered to sign on at Garda stations three days a week, and observe a curfew of between 11pm-7am.

Judge Eugene O'Kelly remanded both men on bail to appear before Limerick District Court on June 18 next.

Two other men who were arrested yesterday were released without charge late last night.