Man accused of assaulting his grandmother who later died in Cork further remanded in custody

Court heard appeal over refusal of bail for Brian Nnamdi Ogbo is pending at the High Court

Accused is charged with assault causing harm to his 82-year-old grandmother, who died in Cork University Hospital two days later. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 38-year-old man accused of assault causing harm to his 82-year-old grandmother, who died in hospital two days later, appeared in court by video link from prison on Thursday.

Defence solicitor Shane Collins-Daly told Judge Miriam Walsh an appeal of the refusal of his bail was pending at the High Court in Dublin.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo is charged him that on February 23, at 17 Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Road, Carrigaline, Co Cork, he assaulted Stella Nnamdi, causing her harm.

Detective Garda Tom Delaney testified during the objection to bail previously this was a charge of assaulting his maternal grandmother causing her harm, who later died.

Det Garda Delaney said family members informed gardaí that Brian Ogbo suffers from schizophrenia and that he allegedly produced a knife during the assault.

“It was alleged that he broke into the upstairs bathroom where his grandmother was located and that he dragged her out of the bathroom. He dragged her downstairs. She was off her feet and being dragged headfirst down the stairs and pushed out of the house.

“Nobody required hospitalisation at the time of the occurrence. However, Stella Nnamdi deteriorated and was subsequently taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital on Tuesday February 25, and died later that afternoon,” Det Garda Delaney said.

During his application for bail, the accused agreed he did need a system of support and he received help from his family in relation to the taking of medication for his conditions, which include schizophrenia, depression and epilepsy.

Mr Collins-Daly reminded the accused that if he was successful in his High Court bail application, he would be required to appear in person at Cork District Court on the next occasion. 

On the application of Sergeant Aisling Murphy, Judge Walsh remanded the accused in custody until April 3 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.