Man charged over Halloween assault

A 23-YEAR-OLD man appeared at a special sitting of Waterford District Court last night charged in connection with an incident…

A 23-YEAR-OLD man appeared at a special sitting of Waterford District Court last night charged in connection with an incident at a Halloween bonfire that resulted in four Gardai being treated in hospital.

The charges arose after a dispute led to violence at Bianconi Drive in Clonmel where about 30 youths were gathered at a bonfire on Friday night.

A female Garda was treated in hospital for a suspected fracture to her eye socket and three male Gardai received slash wounds during the clash.

All four were taken to Waterford Regional Hospital.

Andrew Freyne (23), 177 Elm Park in Clonmel, appeared in court on Saturday charged with assault causing harm at Bianconi Drive and of acting contrary to the terms of his "temporary permanent" release from prison.

Garda Eoin Clifford gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. Mr Freyne replied "No" and No…that's some waste of paper" when he was informed of the charges against him, the court heard.

Inspector Padraig Dunne objected to bail on the grounds that the man "broke the terms of his temporary release".

Judge Gerard Furlong granted Mr Freyne free legal aid and remanded him in custody to appear at Carrick-on-Suir District Court on Thursday next.