Kerry man accused of assault of partner and producing sweeping brush during incident denied bail

Court told there were concerns defendant would interfere with the witness and pressurise her to withdraw her complaint if granted bail

Accused is charged with production of an article in the course of a dispute, assault causing harm and breach of an order granted under the Domestic Violence Act. File picture

A Kerry man accused of assault causing harm to his partner and producing a sweeping brush during the alleged incident at the weekend was refused bail on Monday.

The alleged violence was described at an in camera hearing dealt with at Cork District Court as there was no court sitting in Kerry before which it could be brought.

Sergeant John Dineen said there was an objection to bail because of the nature and seriousness of the charges.

Judge Miriam Walsh was told the defendant resides at the same residence at the same address as the complainant and there were concerns he would interfere with the witness and pressurise her to withdraw her complaint if granted bail.

He is charged with production of an article in the course of a dispute, assault causing harm and breach of an order granted under the Domestic Violence Act.

The alleged incident that gave rise to the charges occurred at an address in Co Kerry on Sunday June 14.

An ambulance was called and the complainant refused any medical assistance.

Eddie Burke solicitor said: “There is an alternative address, approximately a 40-minute drive from the complainant’s residence, that is available to the defendant if he is given bail.” 

Judge Walsh was told it was the firm belief of gardaí that the 34-year-old would interfere with the witness if granted bail.

He was remanded in custody to Tralee District Court on Wednesday June 16.