Kildare man admits assaulting father
Carlow Courthouse
A KILDARE man who admitted assaulting his father and causing extensive damage to his property is to appear before Carlow District Court in six weeks’ time for a probation report. Conor McNulty (28) of Ardrew Court, Athy faced two matters before Judge Geraldine Carthy arising from an incident in Dunlavin, Co Wicklow on 15 August 2024.
The court heard that at 8.25pm on that date, gardaí responded to a report of assault and criminal damage. Garda Dalton spoke to the injured party, who said he had been assaulted by his son. The man claimed his son had smashed the windows of his black Peugeot van and damaged the front door of his house. The injured party’s sister was also present at the scene.
The injured party was treated for several injuries, including bruising to his eyes, cheek and jaw, a cut to his arm and bruising to his back. The defendant was arrested at the scene.
Appearing before the court with legal representation, Mr McNulty, who was interviewed in February 2025 and made a full admission before being charged in October 2025, had four letters in court to support his case.
His barrister told Judge Carthy that his client had attended residential treatment at Cuan Mhuire and had completed a programme there in March of this year before going on to complete a day programme and an aftercare programme. Two letters from Cuan Mhuire related to the residential programme, with the other two relating to the programmes completed subsequently.
In mitigation, counsel said that his client was an only child whose parents’ relationship had deteriorated over the years and, ultimately, broken down.
He submitted that no weapons were used in the incident, adding: “It is at the lower end of the spectrum, I would suggest.”
Judge Carthy noted that as the matter involved a section 3 assault, she was obliged to enquire whether a victim impact statement would be provided. She directed that a probation report be prepared and adjourned the matter for six weeks.
The case will be heard in May.
