A man with a Thurles address has been charged in connection with a hatchet attack, which took place over 7½ years ago, in the vicinity of John Carew Park, Southill, Co. Limerick, on April 26th, 2010.
Mr Frederick Connor, aged 30, with an address at Brittas, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, has been brought before Limerick District Court charged in connection with the incident.
Detective Garda Mr Shane Ryan informed Limerick District Court that the defendant had made no reply when formally charged with assaulting Mr Damien Hackett, causing him harm.
It is the State’s case that Mr Damien Hackett, was struck across the back of the head and the side of his face during an altercation at Donoughmore Crescent, Limerick. The then victim, had received 20 stitches, sustained two lacerations and suffered permanent scarring, as a result of that attack.
Another man Mr Patrick O’Donoghue of Rhebogue, Limerick had been initially charged with this assault and with producing the hatchet on the 26th of April 2010, at Donoughmore Crescent. Initially a jury had been sworn in for his trial at Limerick Circuit Court, but same were discharged, following a plea of guilty by Mr O’Donoghue. On the date in question, the victim, Mr Damian Hackett, claimed he had left his wife’s parent’s home, at Donoughmore Crescent, when he was immediately approached by two individuals. The men struck him twice across the head with blows from a hatchet.
The assailant, Mr Patrick O’Donoghue, who is a first cousin of Mr Damien Hackett’s wife, confirmed that both men, back in 2010, had settled their differences and the injured party, Mr Damien Hackett, no longer wished to see his attacker go to prison. The then assailant was unemployed and married with two young children and was said to be most apologetic and deeply grateful for the forgiveness offered by the injured victim of his assault.
Judge Mr Carroll Moran commenting on the charitable view of Mr Hackett; sentenced Mr O’Donoghue to two years imprisonment with the sentence to be suspended. Since then the second assailant involved in this vicious attack had proven extremely elusive to arresting Gardaí.
This week, despite Garda objections, Judge Ms Marian O’Leary granted Mr Frederick Connor, now also charged in connection with this 2010 hatchet attack, bail; subject to the lodging of €5,000 in cash with the court and other required conditions.
The case has now been adjourned to facilitate the preparation of a Book of Evidence.
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