Kerry man charged with assault after teen 'slashed' on face, arms and neck 

Accused remanded in custody to appear before Tralee District Court on Wednesday

Caherciveen man, 51, appeared before Killarney District Court charged with the assault of a teenager. Picture: MacMonagle

A 51-year-old man has appeared at a sitting of Killarney District Court charged with the assault of a teenager causing him harm.

The teenager is currently in Cork University Hospital with significant injuries. His face, neck and arms had been "slashed", the court was told.

Thomas McDonagh, of 3 Fertha Drive, Caherciveen is charged with assaulting the minor, causing him harm, at Fertha Drive, Caherciveen on February 12, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Thomas McDonagh is also charged with producing an article, "a scalpel with a sharply pointed blade", in the course of the alleged assault.

Evidence of arrest charge and caution was by way of schedule, the court was told on Tuesday.

Mr McDonagh had made no reply to the charges.

Patrick Barrett, barrister, submitted an application for legal aid.

Prosecuting garda Sergeant Stephen O’Brien told Judge David Waters a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The injured party is currently at CUH, Sgt O’Brien said. "The allegation is the injured party’s face, hands and neck were slashed. Two knives were used, one in each hand.

"The teenager’s injuries were not life-threatening, but his injuries were “significant,” the prosecuting garda said.

The State’s application was to remand Thomas McDonagh in custody to appear via video link in Tralee District Court on Wednesday.

Judge David Waters said he would reserve his decision on jurisdiction.

Mr Barrett said he was applying for bail and his client was willing to abide by certain conditions.

Garda Nigel Hennessy said gardaí were objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the offence.

"Serious but not life-threatening?" Judge Waters said.

"There were serious lacerations to hand, arm, face and neck," Garda Hennessy said, adding he had photographs of the injuries.

He said the accused had possession of a weapon capable of inflicting injury and there were also addiction issues. He was of volatile character, the garda said. Gardaí were also concerned the accused would interfere with witnesses.

"Further more serious charges may be proffered," Garda Hennessy said.

Defending, Mr Barrett said there was no evidence of volatility put forward. His client would be arguing self-defence; there was the presumption of innocence and his client was willing to abide by certain conditions on bail, including undertaking he would not interfere with witnesses.

Judge David Waters refused bail and remanded Mr McDonagh in custody to appear via video link before Tralee District Court on Wednesday.