A CARER has appeared in court charged with the assault causing harm of a ‘wheelchair user’ and ‘vulnerable’ woman he was responsible for.
At Ennis District Court, Derrick Reid (43) of Bruach An Mhuilinn, Roslevan, Ennis faces three charges including the alleged assault causing harm of his long term partner and woman he also is entrusted to care for.
After looking at photos of the woman’s bruised face, Judge Alec Gabbett said: “This lady is hurt – that is the problem. She looks a bit shook – more than shook.”
Objecting to bail, Garda Andrew McGhee said that it will be alleged that Mr Reid assaulted the woman he cares for and his long term partner at their home at Roslevan, Ennis on January 15th.
Garda McGhee said that the woman required hospital treatment where she was admitted with a suspected broken nose and bruising to her face and her head.
Garda McGhee said that there is a real and genuine fear that the accused will interfere with witnesses.
He said that the alleged injured party “is a vulnerable adult, wheel-chair bound and very dependent on her carer”.
Judge Gabbett said that “Gardaí are concerned he is going to charm his way out of this. That is where a court gets concerned and that is where the evasion of justice comes into it”.
He said: “There is many a man who comes in here and believes that he can charm himself out and get away with things but that generally doesn’t happen around here.”
Solicitor, Stiofán Fitzpatrick for the accused told Judge Gabbett “that is fine – but my client is not trying to do that”.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that Mr Reid is originally from Galway and is prepared to reside there as part of any bail conditions.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that his instructions are that “the two went on a bender, so to speak, abusing alcohol for nearly 24 hours and there is a lot of uncertainty about what actually happened and both parties were highly intoxicated”
Mr Fitzpatrick said that this was borne out by the alleged victim’s appearance at the hospital where she appeared to be highly intoxicated.
Garda McGhee agreed that this appeared to be the case.
Mr Fitzpatrick told the court that there has been no statement as yet from the alleged injured party in the case. Mr Fitzpatrick said that there is no history of this alleged behaviour by his client.
Along with being charged with the assault causing harm of the woman, Mr Reid is also charged with a public order and public intoxication charges at Bruach An Mhuillinn, Roslevan, Ennis on January 15th.
Judge Gabbett said that he was open to granting bail if he has sufficient guarantees of safety for the alleged injured party.
Judge Gabbett granted Mr Reid bail on condition that the accused remain out of Ennis and reside at an address at Shannon Park, Newcastle, Galway.
Mr Fitzpatrick said that his client would be concerned what will happen to his partner as he won’t be able to come to Ennis save for court appearances.
Judge Gabbett said that Mr Reid’s primary concern now is his liberty.
Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Reid on bail to appear before court on March 18th for DPP directions
