Man admits wounding with intent to murder

A DUBLIN man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court yesterday to wounding another man with intent to commit murder.

A DUBLIN man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court yesterday to wounding another man with intent to commit murder.

Mr Justice Morris remanded Keith Balfe (21) from Gallanstown Drive, Ballyfermot, Dublin, on conditional bail pending sentence on December 9th.

At a short hearing, Balfe admitted wounding Mr Andrew McGann in Dublin on April 12th, 1994, with intent to commit murder. Mr McGann (19) from Shancastle Lawns, Ronanstown Dublin, was stabbed a number of times in the incident.

After the plea, Mr Joseph Matthews SC, prosecuting, said it was an "unusual and exceptional case".

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He sought adjournment of sentence to allow the securing of full medical evidence.

One of the doctors involved with the case was Dr Charles Smith, director of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, he said.

Counsel said Balfe was on bail and the State had no objection to bail continuing until sentence was imposed, provided a number of conditions were observed.

Mr Anthony Sammon SC, defending, said his client would accept the conditions set out by the State.

Mr Justice Morris remanded Balfe on his own bail of £100 and his father's surety of £250 until sentence on December 9th.

He said Balfe must report weekly to Ballyfermot Garda station, stay away from the McGann family, continue to see the doctor he has been attending and also to attend Ms Margaret Costello, of the Probation and Welfare Service, and live at his parents' home.