Waterford man, 36, charged over suspected stabbing at Tramore church

The Waterford District Court, County Waterford, where Niall Cummins was charged in connection with a suspected stabbing before mass at a church Co Waterford. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection in connection with a suspected stabbing on a woman while she prayed in a church in Waterford on Tuesday morning.

Niall Cummins was charged with possession of a knife and with assault causing harm to a woman in her 50s at Holy Cross Church, Summerhill, Tramore, Co Waterford.

Mr Cummins, of 34 The Willows, Clarinwood, Tramore, Co. Waterford, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at Waterford District Court on Wednesday morning.

Sergeant Robert Flynn gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution.

Mr Cummins replied "no comment" when he was charged under caution with both possession of a knife and with assault causing harm, the court heard.

Mr Cummins was not represented in court due to the ongoing solicitor strike over changes to legal aid payments.

When asked if he wished to apply for bail, Mr Cummins said "no, not really".

He was charged with assault causing harm at Holy Cross Church, Tramore, on July 21, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997.

He was also charged with possession of a sharply bladed knife at Holy Cross Church, Tramore, contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 2009.

Judge Cheatle remanded Mr Cummins in custody. He is due to appear via videolink in Waterford District Court next Tuesday.

Judge Cheatle ordered a psychological evaluation and report for the defendant.

The alleged attack took place as the woman was saying the rosary just before the 10am Mass yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 9.45am.

The woman was being treated in hospital for her injuries which required emergency surgery but are not believed to be life-threatening.