Two brothers allegedly involved in a feud-related assault with a wooden bat on a mother while she had her child in her arms, were remanded in custody for a week at a hearing in the District Court this week (May 26 ) that saw the remaining players in the factions continue the tit-for-tat hostilities outside the courthouse.
Evidence of arrest, charge, and caution in the cases of Patrick (21 ) and Raymond O’Neill (23 ), of 116 and 125, Meadowbrook, Willow Park, Athlone was read to the court by Detective Garda Niall Conlon in relation to the alleged assault on Ms Stacey Ring in her own garden at another address in the estate at 7.40 on Tuesday morning which resulted in her hospitalisation for attention to a serious head wound. Her three-month old child, was slightly injured when dropped during the assault.
Raymond, when charged with criminal damage, posession of an offensive weapon, and assault causing harm replied: “I’m sorry for that oul’ crack. I’m sorry for what I done. I had a lot to drink. If I could take it back I would”.
Patrick, who was charged with criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon, replied: “I’m sorry”.
Opposing bail, Detective Garda Conlon told Judge John Neilan how this feud had been ongoing for three years and that: “I expect the feud will escalate if this defendant [Patrick] is let out”.
He went on to explain how Patrick had four previous bench warrants for failing to turn up at court and his brother had three.
Judge Neilan deemed the garda’s evidence sufficient to remand the pair in Cloverhill prison until June 2.
Despite a large Garda presence, including members of the armed response unit (ARU ), further related scuffles outside the courthouse saw another three people, two females and a male, arrested and charged, before the crowd was separated and dispersed.
