Brothers charged with assault causing harm following Kilkenny City incident

Two brothers have appeared in court charged following an incident in Kilkenny City, early on Monday morning.

Both have been charged with the production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury, under Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990.
They have both also been charged with assault causing harm, under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Before Kilkenny District Court, on Tuesday, were Ronan Quinn (18), Forthouse B&B, Kilbeggan, Westmeath, and his older brother Cian Quinn (25), 36A Connolly Street, Kilkenny.
Cian Quinn is also charged with an unrelated theft offence from March 18 last.

Both men were charged on Tuesday morning at Kilkenny Garda Station, and made no reply when the charges were put to them.

The court heard that garda evidence will be that on Monday, April 3, at 6.30am, a man went to Kilkenny Garda Station and reported that he had seen a male with what looked like a blade or a knife.

Gardaí went to the junction of Lower New Street and Walkin Street where they met an injured man. It is alleged he told gardaí he was attacked by a number of males.

In court a garda said he observed a “large stab wound to the upper right arm” of the injured man. He was taken to hospital for emergency surgery.
Several gardaí then commenced a search of streets in the area, the court was told. Two males were seen coming from a house on Parnell Street.

The garda said he stopped Ronan Quinn at James Street. He said evidence will be given he had blood on his hands. He was arrested and cautioned. Solicitor, Chris Hogan, pointed out in court that Mr Quinn had a cut to his hand and there was no indication where the blood had come from.
Cian Quinn was found by a garda behind a house.

Garda objections to bail being granted included the seriousness of the charges and concerns witnesses may be interfered with.

Solicitor Chris Hogan, for both accused, said his clients would accept conditions if bail was granted.

Judge Geraldine Carthy acknowledged that both men came before the court as innocent men and remain so unless convicted of an offence. Having heard all garda objections and Mr Hogan’s application for bail she said she was satisfied to refuse bail and remand both men in custody.
They are to appear again before Carlow District Court on Wednesday, April 5, by video link.
Judge Carthy said she will ask the Director of Public Prosecution to expedite court directions.