Uncle and nephew charged over St Stephen's Day assault

AN UNCLE and his nephew yesterday appeared in court charged with the assault of Lissycasey man Brian Casey on the night of St Stephen’s Day in Ennis, Co Clare.

Mr Casey (26) died yesterday after sustaining injuries arising from an incident in O’Connell Square. He had been on a life support machine at Limerick’s Regional Hospital.

At a special sitting of Ennis District Court, Harry Dinan (29) of Waterpark Heights, Ennis, and his nephew, Kevin Dinan (22) of Clarehill, Clarecastle, appeared in connection with the assault.

Both are charged with assault of Mr Casey at O’Connell Square in Ennis causing him harm on December 26th-27th, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

At the hearing, which took place before Mr Casey’s death was confirmed, Garda Noelle Bergin said more serious charges may be forthcoming.

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Garda Bergin said Harry and Kevin Dinan made “no reply” when charged and cautioned before 1am at Ennis Garda Station yesterday morning.

Insp John Galvin said his application was that both men should be remanded in custody to reappear before a special sitting of the court later today.

Solicitor for the two, Tara Godfrey, applied for bail, stating that they had initially been arrested on suspicion of public order offences and were only rearrested during the day over the alleged assault.

Ms Godfrey also said there was in excess of 24 hours between the two men being arrested and being charged with the alleged offences.

However, Insp Galvin said “this is a matter than can be dealt with in a trial”.

Ms Godfrey said: “I am applying for bail as an investigation into a case like this may take some considerable time to allow it to be fully investigated.”

She said there may be further charges in the case, and also requested custody records relating to the two since they were held at Ennis Garda station.

Insp Galvin opposed the bail application. Judge Joseph Mangan refused bail and remanded both in custody to appear before a special sitting of Ennis District Court today.