Man accused of assault by strangulation at Kildare guesthouse sent for trial
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN accused of “intentionally strangling” a woman in a Kildare town guesthouse was sent forward for to the circuit court last week.
Appearing in Naas District Court for the formal handover of his book of evidence was David Marnell (32), of Dysart, Cuff’s Grange, Kilkenny.
He is charged under the seldom used S3(a) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act – recklessly strangling – of a named woman at the Silken Thomas hostelry in Kildare town on 24 January 2025.
He was also charged with assault causing harm of the same woman earlier the same night, which was introduced onto his docket in court this week.
“The book (of evidence) is ready, but before we served, we had to introduce this new charge,” explained Sergeant Mary Meade of the short formality.
Detective Garda John Green explained the allegations from the night.
“The defendant was in a relationship with this woman, they’ve broken up since,” he said.
“They were in Kildare socialising, and during an argument after socialising, he (allegedly) put his hands around her neck and started strangling her.
“She ran from the hotel”.
Judge Desmond Zaidan gave Mr Marnell his alibi warning and sent him forward for trial to Naas Circuit Court which began on 3 June.
Because of the ongoing solicitor’s strike against taking legal aid cases, the judge informed Sgt Meade of a note he had received, and told her, “solicitor David Hogan has asked if you could deliver the book of evidence to his office”.
