Corkman accused of attacking sleeping wife with boiling water wants transfer to hospital

The court has heard that the man 'showed no remorse and never inquired about his wife’s condition'

Noel Twomey of 18 Carbery Grove, Knocknaheeny, Cork, was arrested last week and remanded in custody to appear again by video link from prison at Cork District Court. File picture: Dan Linehan

A 63-year-old Cork man accused of attacking his sleeping wife with boiling water and a claw-hammer complained on Tuesday that he should be in hospital and not in jail, saying he was not getting “the right medication” in custody.

Noel Twomey of 18 Carbery Grove, Knocknaheeny, Cork, was arrested last week and remanded in custody to appear again by video link from prison at Cork District Court.

As the matter was proceeding on Tuesday, Noel Twomey spoke up on the video link and said: “I would prefer to stay in hospital. I’m not getting the right medication up here.” Judge Mary Dorgan repeated the request that he would get whatever medical and psychiatric assistance was required while in custody.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions would not be available at this early stage. He applied for a two-week adjournment with the accused in continuing custody.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Twomey in custody until February 6 for him to appear again by video link from prison.

Defence solicitor, Shane Collins-Daly, said he had informed the accused prior to the brief hearing that this would be the application from the prosecution and that they did not require consent for a two-week remand in custody.

Detective Garda Brian Murphy testified last week that that the accused man flagged down a garda patrol car while soaked in his wife’s blood and carrying a bloodstained hammer in a plastic bag at 5am on Monday, January 15, at Bakers Road, Gurranabraher, Cork.

Det. Garda Murphy charged Mr Twomey with two counts of assault causing harm to his wife, Jackie Twomey, at the family home.

Objecting to bail, Det. Garda Murphy said: “This is very serious. She went to sleep in the safety of her own bed. Noel Twomey made the very conscious decision to boil a pot of water and retrieve a claw hammer from the tool box.

“He has stated that he paced the apartment 10 to 20 times considering would he carry out his actions. He then entered his bedroom where his wife slept and attacked her in a cowardly fashion as she lay asleep.

He showed no remorse and never inquired about his wife’s condition. He comes across as a very controlling individual. His actions were very disturbing and sinister.

“It is alleged that on January 15 in the early hours of the morning, Jackie Twomey returned home. She had been out with family members that night. Jackie Twomey later went to bed and fell asleep.

“When the water was boiling he took the pot and the hammer and paced the flat for some time before entering the bedroom. He proceeded to pour the boiling water on his wife before striking her over the head with the hammer a number of times.

“He expressed surprise that she was able to jump up and leave the property.” 

Mr Twomey admitted attacking her and said during his bail application: “My wife goes out three or four times a week, I don’t drink or smoke.”