Man charged with assault causing harm following attack in Cork City 

Accused, 21, was arrested and charged with assaulting another man of the same age on Grand Parade, Cork, on February 8, 2024

The incident took place on Grand Parade, Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane

A 21-year-old man was charged on Monday with assault causing serious harm to another man of the same age in Cork city centre almost one year ago.

Detective Garda Bryan Murphy arrested Louis Herdman for the purpose of charging him at Cork District Court.

The 21-year-old from River’s Edge, Clash Road, Cork, was charged that on February 8, 2024, at Grand Parade, Cork, he intentionally or recklessly caused serious harm to another 21-year-old man, contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Det Garda Murphy cautioned the accused he did not have to make any reply but that anything he might say would be taken down and could be given in evidence. He made no reply to the charge.

Sergeant Dave Delea said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed it was a case for trial by indictment. This would entail trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Alternatively, the DPP would accept a signed plea of guilty at Cork District Court and the accused could be sent forward for sentencing at the circuit court.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, was appointed to represent Louis Herdman on free legal aid. Mr Burke applied for a copy of the prosecution statements and a copy of the available CCTV so the defence could consider if the approach would be to plead guilty or not guilty.

No details of the alleged assault were given in the course of the brief hearing on Monday.