Soldier accused of assaulting recruit at Limerick barracks

Private pleads not guilty to 12 charges including false imprisonment and assault causing harm

Private Philip McCarthy admitted organising a meeting of the platoon to discuss their performance but rejected allegations that he had described Trooper Canty as 'a bag of shit'. Picture: Kieran Clancy

A soldier has gone on trial before a military court over allegations that he assaulted a fellow recruit at a barracks in Limerick due to his poor performance during training.

Private Philip McCarthy has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges relating to an incident in an accommodation block at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, on July 18, 2021, in which he allegedly assaulted another trainee, Jack Canty.