Teen who allegedly attacked man with baseball bat is bailed

A man was hospitalised after he was allegedly attacked by a teenager using a baseball bat in a residential area of Ennis.

Thomas McCarthy (35) was struck “numerous times” when he was allegedly assaulted by a teenager in broad daylight last Thursday, Ennis district court heard.

Ciaran Quinn (19), a married father of two with an address at Watery Road, Ennis, appeared before the court last week charged with assault causing harm to Thomas McCarthy at Oak Park, Ennis on May 19.

Judge Mary Larkin granted bail subject to conditions and the case was adjourned to a later date for directions from the director of public prosecutions (DPP) on how the case is to proceed.

The court heard Thomas McCarthy’s injuries were non-life threatening.

In court, Garda Alan Hill gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Quinn.

Garda Hill said the accused made no reply to the charge after caution.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said she had no questions regarding the arrest, charge and caution of her client.

She said she was making a bail application on behalf of her client.

Sergeant Aiden Lonergan told the court that gardai were objecting to bail.

Outlining the State’s objections, Garda Hill said at approximately 2.45pm on May 19, Thomas McCarthy was walking on Oak Park road, Ennis, when a blue Audi pulled up beside him.

The court heard that it will be alleged that Ciaran Quinn and another male exited the car and approached Mr McCarthy.

Garda Hill said it will be alleged Quinn was armed with a baseball bat which he used to strike Mr McCarthy numerous times.

The court heard Mr McCarthy left the scene and presented at Ennis garda station a short time later.

Garda Hill said Mr McCarthy was bleeding from his head and had a laceration to his left hip.

Garda Hill said the alleged victim was brought to hospital and treated for injuries “that are not life threatening”.

The garda said bail was objected to on a number of grounds including the strength of the evidence and the concern for witness interference.

Solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client would be willing to abide by any bail conditions set down by the court.

Ms Godfrey said her client would be willing to leave Ennis and reside with family in Dublin.

Ms Godfrey said Ciaran Quinn would also stay off social media.

The case was adjourned for a brief period to allow gardai time to verify the Dublin address provided by the accused.

When the case resumed, Sergeant Lonergan confirmed the address was acceptable to gardaí and the State was consenting to bail.

Granting bail, Judge Larkin told Quinn he must abide by all bail conditions which include having no contact with witnesses, including via social media.

The accused must also stay out of Clare except for court appearances.

Ciaran Quinn was remanded on bail to appear again in court at a later date.