*Laurel Lodge.
AN ENNIS man charged in connection with the street assault of a retired district court judge has been further remanded in custody.
At Ennis District Court, Jamie O’Connor (44) of Laurel Lodge, Clare Rd, Ennis was making his second appearance in court in connection with the alleged assault of retired district court judge, Joseph Mangan on Saturday, June 14th.
It is alleged that Mr O’Connor who was appearing via video link from Limerick prison told the former judge “you put in jail for nothing” before allegedly punching him outside an Ennis cafe.
The retired judge now in his early 80s served as a judge for 27 years and was the assigned district court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011 when he retired at the age of 67.
In the case, Mr O’Connor is charged with the assault causing harm of Joseph Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on June 14th.
Sgt John Burke told the court that DPP directions are not yet available as it is a relatively new case.
Judge Alec Gabbett further remanded Mr O’Connor in custody to appear via video link from Limerick prison on July 9th.
At a contested bail hearing last week, Judge Gabbett said, “This is an extremely serious alleged offence where a retired district court judge now into his 80s was allegedly assaulted for carrying out a public duty when he was a judge”.
Judge Gabbett said, “There is a possibility of other charges to follow here”.
Sgt Burke told the court last week that at 2.25pm on June 14th, Mr Mangan was sitting outside the Gourmet Store on Barrack Court in Ennis having a coffee.
Sgt Burke said that it will be alleged that Mr O’Connor approached Mr Mangan “and told him aggressively ‘you put me in jail for nothing’.
Sgt Burke said, “Following a brief interaction it is alleged that Mr O’Connor stood up and punched Mr Mangan”.
Sgt Burke said that Mr O’Connor then fled the scene in the direction of O’Connell Street.
He said that Mr Mangan went to the local injuries unit in Ennis where he was treated for possible concussion and dizziness.
Sgt Burke said that Mr Mangan made a statement to local Gardaí. Sgt Burke said that Mr O’Connor was later arrested where he made no admissions “and blamed alcohol for his memory loss”.
Sgt Burke confirmed to the court that there is an independent witness to what occurred.
