Man accused of assaulting 74-year-old is granted bail

A MAN accused of assaulting his 74-year-old neighbour in an alleged unprovoked attack in Barefield last week has been granted bail.

At Ennis district court this Wednesday, September 7, Ciaran Cullinan (32) was granted bail on conditions including that he reside at an address outside Clare.

Cullinan, with an address at Curraderra, Barefield, appeared in court via video link from Limerick Prison where he has been on remand since his first court appearance on charges relating to alleged incidents at Curraderra, Barefield on September 3.

After hearing this Wednesday’s bail application, Judge Patricia Cronin granted Cullinan bail subject to what she said are “serious conditions”.

Cullinan was remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear again in court on September 21. Cullinan’s application for bail was opposed by the State.

In evidence, Garda Conor Langan said gardaí responded to a report of an alleged assault on a 74-year-old man in Barefield on the afternoon of September 3.

The court heard that Noel Meere was checking his sheds when he met Ciaran Cullinan, who lives adjacent to Mr Meere’s property. Garda Langan said it will be alleged that in an unprovoked attack, Cullinan struck Mr Meere a number of times in the face and throat and said, “I’m going to kill you, you f***ing c***.”

Garda Langan said gardaí believe Cullinan allegedly used a sharp implement to inflict the wounds on Mr Meere. The court heard Mr Meere was hospitalised and a medical report on his injuries is awaited.

The court heard that Cullinan was arrested at the scene and gardaí obtained a warrant to search his address. Garda Langan said it will be alleged that gardai found a “significant quantity of cannabis” with an initial estimated value of €36,000.

Opposing the granting of bail, Garda Langan told the court that no conditions set down by the court would allay his concerns.

The garda said, “This was a traumatic incident for an elderly gentleman who was minding his own business, checking his sheds.” He said the man and his family are “still very traumatised” by the alleged incident.

In reply to questions from Sergeant Aiden Lonergan, Garda Langan said the director of public prosecutions (DPP) has directed additional charges against the accused and the case is likely to proceed in a court other than the District Court.

Defence solicitor John Casey said his client would abide by any conditions set down by the court and would be willing to reside outside Clare.

Judge Patricia Cronin said an accused person is presumed innocent throughout court proceedings and that status only changes if a guilty verdict is arrived at.

She said she had taken into account everything said by the State and Mr Casey.

“These are very serious matters and serious conditions will be imposed”, the judge added.

Judge Cronin granted Cullinan bail on his own bond of €500 with €250 to be lodged in court. The court is also seeking an independent surety of €2000, with €1000 to be lodged in court.
The surety is to be approved by the court.

Judge Cronin also ordered that the accused reside at an address outside Clare, sign on at a garda station and observe a curfew between 10pm and 7am. The accused must also stay out of Clare expect for court appearances.

The judge also directed that Cullinan not have contact, direct or indirect, with the alleged victim and his family. Judge Cronin remanded Cullinan in custody with consent to bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on September 21.