This article is from page 14 of the 2006-05-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MAN charged with assaulting a woman was refused bail after a court heard the alleged victim was terrified of the accused.
Senan Downes (30), of Westwood, Golf Links Road, Ennis, is accused of assault, on May 18 last.
The accused was arrested at Abbey Street, Ennis.
Garda Declan Keavey told Ennis District Court that when charged, the accused replied, “No f***ing way. I didn’t do sh**. I didn’t do f*** all.”
Inspector Michael Gallagher said a file on the matter was been prepared for the DPP and further more serious charges may follow.
He said he was objecting to bail, as the injured party was in fear of the accused.
Defending solicitor, Tara Godfrey, said her client was based in the area and was unlikely to flee.
She said he had no previous convictions for threatening witnesses.
Inspector Gallagher said, “I am contending that he threatened this witness.”
Garda Keavey then told the court the alleged injured party was likely to be detained in hospital over the weekend. “This woman is absolutely terrified of the accused,” said the garda.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy refused the bail application.
“I am refusing bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge and on the grounds the garda says she is terrified of this man,” said the judge.
He remanded the accused in custody, to appear again in court later this week.