Man alleged to have kicked and punched woman into a coma in Newbridge refused bail
Photo for illustrative purposes
A MAN who allegedly kicked and punched a woman into a coma in Newbridge in December was refused bail and remanded back into custody for another fortnight.
Cian Leavy (22) with an address at Carraigmount House, Caragh, Naas was appearing in Naas District Court from custody to hear if the director of public prosecutions had ruled on jurisdiction yet. Mr Leavy is charged with assault causing harm (section 3) to the woman in a laneway at the rear of Bradbury’s Café on 3 December.
“Judge, he dragged [the named victim] down a flight of stairs in Bradbury’s, kicked her in the head, knelt on her chest and punched her in the face,” said Sergeant Mary Meade appearing for the state.
“This is a very serious assault; there could be elevated charges,” Judge Desmond Zaidan warned defending solicitor Tim Kennelly.
Mr Kennelly told the court he was not fully instructed in the case, but that he would be visiting Mr Leavy in Cloverhill prison Saturday and that he was seeking High Court bail on the matter, as his client had been held in custody since December.
“To be honest, he’s anxious to deal with this, although I accept it is serious,” the solicitor said.
“She was selling my client drugs, and there may have been a bit of a liaison between them,” he suggested.
“That’s only an allegation at this stage,” the judge reminded the court. “Can you substantiate that?” he asked.
“There’s nothing on file,” said Sgt Meade.
“The good news is she’s out of the coma,” Mr Kennelly revealed.
“This is a very serious allegation,” said the judge.
“It’s been given priority,” said Sgt Meade, who revealed that she had not yet received directions from the DPP.
“The file hasn’t gone to the DPP?” queried the judge.
“Not yet, we’re awaiting medical reports,” said Sgt Meade.
“Have they spoken to the injured party?” asked the judge.
“No judge, but her mother has given a statement,” said Sgt Meade.
“I understand. You would need medical clearance to speak with her – she could have suffered brain damage,” surmised the judge.
Turning to Mr Leavy, Judge Zaidan then said: “If you get High Court bail, it’ll be your responsibility to turn up to Naas District Court on 6 February; otherwise, it’s videolink,” he said, remanding the defendant back into custody until that date.
“The allegation is very recent, only six weeks ago,” said the judge, accepting Sgt Meade’s position.
“The allegation is very serious, at the upper end, but fortunately she survived,” he concluded.
