Kilkenny man jailed for slash hook attack on cousin

A man who injured his cousin with a slash hook has been convicted of assault causing harm by Kilkenny Circuit Court.

Thomas Carthy, Mallardstown, Callan, pleaded guilty to the charge on the second day of his trial, after the victim had given evidence in court.

The assault occurred on January 21, 2023. Mr Carthy and the injured man lived close to each other at temporary Traveller accommodation in Kilkenny, at the time.
The victim was at home, with his wife and child.

Mr Carthy hit him with a slash hook, leaving him with a wound to his forehead that required 10 staples and a wound to the back of his head that needed five stitches. A wound to his ear required surgery.

There had been a ‘falling out’ between the men the previous August, the court had been told.
Thomas Carthy was 17 at the time of the offence.

A Probation Report said Mr Carthy was at high risk of reoffending.
Barrister David Roberts said his client is remorseful and apologetic.

In relation to the Probation Report, Mr Roberts said Mr Carthy had failed to attend a number of Probation Service appointments but this was because of his lifestyle and moving address. He attended on some occasions when he didn’t have an appointment.

Mr Carthy has shown a willingness to engage but not in the structured and formal way the court would expect. His client does have a mobile phone but only uses it for social media, not making calls, the barrister said.

Mr Carthy has attended KEY and has been referred to Ormonde College to start a fitness course. He is a keen boxer and fitness enthusiast.

Judge Dara Hayes said he had some concern that Mr Carthy seemed to minimise the evidence before the court and disputed he had attacked the injured party with a slash hook.

The Probation Report also cited his association with a negative peer group, his “criminalised family” and his history of poor engagement with the service.

Mr Roberts said that not only is there no ill-will between Mr Carthy and the cousin he assaulted, but the cousin had come to court to support him, on a previous occasion.

The court heard that Mr Carthy was on bail for animal neglect offences when this offence was committed.

Judge Hayes noted the serious nature of the offence, the use of a weapon and that the assault had occurred in the victim’s home with a child present. Mitigation included Mr Carthy’s guilty plea, cooperation with gardaí and the steps taken to deal with his risk factors.
Judge Hayes imposed a sentence of two and a half years, with the final 12 months suspended.