Teens accused of Knocknacarra stabbing granted bail
Two youths, charged in relation to an incident in Knocknacarra at the weekend which allegedly left a young man with a stab wound to his liver, were granted bail at Galway District Court this afternoon.
Despite the State’s objections, Judge Mary Fahy said that she had no option but to release the younger of the two (16), who cannot be named for legal reasons, as he could not be accommodated in Oberstown Detention Centre, Lusk, Co Dublin.
“The State and the Court are forced to allow him on bail, because there is no ‘remand bed’ available,” she said.
Garda Gerard Dunne had arrested both defendants late on Sunday evening, and they were subsequently charged with the serious assault on Dominic Downes (18) at Church Alley, Ballymoneen Road, contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Marcus Mac Comascaigh (18) with addresses at 2 Cur Na Lús, Circular Road, and 2 Fana Glas, Ballybane, replied: “I know what I done.”
Wearing a black and white Adidas zipped top, beige jeans, and Nike runners, the State had no objection to him being granted bail with conditions: that he signs on every Monday and Friday at Galway Garda Station, observes a curfew between 9pm and 8am at his given addresses, does not associate with his co-accused, and has no contact with any witnesses. He was granted free legal aid, and will appear again on November 5.
Meanwhile, his co-accused (16) had been charged in the company of his father. He replied: “Nothing to say at the moment.”
Garda Dunne sought to have his bail revoked in a separate matter, as he had failed to abide with conditions. He said that the defendant had not maintained a curfew at his address, as it would be alleged the stabbing incident occurred between 3.30-3.45am on Saturday. He had also not abstained from alcohol and drugs, as he had admitted drinking two cans of beer on the night in question.
When Judge Fahy was advised by both the Garda and probation officer, Tom Claffey, that there were no beds available in Oberstown, she replied that this was unacceptable to the court. She asked them to try again, and adjourned the matter until after lunch.
However, when the case was recalled the Judge was told that the situation had not changed. Mr Claffey said that the only option, as far as he could see it, was to remand the boy on bail to appear again on Wednesday, at which point a bed may be available.
The boy was then granted bail with strict conditions that he resides at a named address, stays away from the Salthill/Knocknacarra area in its entirety, has no contact with witnesses, the injured party, or his co-accused, and observes a curfew between 9pm and 8am.
Inspector Ernie Whyte said that the State would not be seeking signing-on conditions in this case.
“We don’t want to give him a reason to come in (to the city centre),” he said.
Free legal aid was granted.