*The alleged assault took place in February of this year.
A 45-year old carpenter charged in connection with a claw-hammer assault on a father at his home in front of the alleged victim’s two children, aged 12 and 10 has been returned for trial.
At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett has sent forward for trial Alan Mounsey to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court.
Mr Mounsey is charged with committing burglary at the Clarecastle home of Aaron Moloney on February 22nd 2025 and at the time had a weapon which was a blue handled claw hammer.
The charge is contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice Act (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Mr Mounsey with an address of Bishop’s Court, Ennis when first charged is also charged with the assault causing harm of Aaron Moloney at his home at Cluain Ard, Clarecastle contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on February 22nd 2025.
At a contested bail application for Mr Mounsey when first charged earlier this year, the prosecuting Garda in the case, Det Garda Kevin Hooban said that Mr Moloney sustained several injuries from the alleged home assault.
Det Garda Hooban said that Mr Moloney was hospitalised for seven to eight days as a result of the alleged assault.
Det Garda Hooban said that the alleged assault took place in front of Mr Moloney’s two children aged 12 and 10.
In the witness box during the bail application Mr Mounsey said, “My priority is my family. That’s it. I will comply with any conditions and I know if I break any I will go straight to prison”.
Judge Gabbett granted bail with several conditions attached.
Sending Mr Mounsey forward for trial to the Circuit Court on bail, Judge Gabbett told him that if an alibi formed any part of his defence that his solicitor, Tara Godfrey is to inform the State within fourteen days.
Judge Gabbett extended the legal aid certificate for a junior counsel to represent Mr Mounsey in the Circuit Court.
