Bail granted to man accused in Wicklow attack that left victim needing 13 stitches
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin man accused of being part of a group that forced their way into a home and left a man needing 13 stitches has been granted bail, despite a State objection
Gary Kelly (48), of Kilmartin Drive, Tallaght, appeared at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for a bail hearing, charged with one count of assault causing harm.
Counsel for the accused, Eoin Gallagher, told the court that Mr Kelly had previously been granted High Court bail on condition that a surety of €1,000 be lodged.
The court heard that the accused has the money in cash, but has been unable to find an independent surety.
Barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions, James Kelly, informed the court that the application to vary the bail conditions was not on consent and that the State was objecting.
Garda Eamonn Furlong, who was standing in for the investigating garda, said the fact that nobody was willing to act as a surety was a “worrying sign”.
The court heard that Mr Kelly has been in custody since July 2025. Mr Gallagher said €1,000 is a significant sum, given his client’s circumstances, and that he is willing to comply with strict bail conditions, including reporting twice daily to Tallaght Garda Station and carrying a mobile phone at all times.
He added that the accused has five children and that his partner and mother live in the Tallaght area.
“So there is no upstanding member of the community in Tallaght willing to stand for him?” said Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, adding, “That’s a sad state of affairs.”
The court heard it will be alleged that a group of six men, “acting with a common plan”, entered a home in Bridget’s Terrace, Arklow, on July 10, 2025 at approximately 2pm, forcing the occupant to plead for his safety.
Prosecution counsel said the complainant required 13 stitches, following the alleged assault, and that there is CCTV evidence showing the movements of Mr Kelly and his co-accused.
Mr Gallagher told the court that Mr Kelly’s son had gathered the €1,000.
Judge Ní Chúlacháin granted Mr Kelly bail, but noted the seriousness of the charge, stating she was satisfied to vary the condition to the lodgement of €1,000.
Mr Kelly must observe a curfew, be contactable at all times, and undertake not to apply for travel documents.
The accused was back before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday, April 28. Senior counsel for Mr Kelly informed the court that the defendant will be seeking a trial date. Mr Kelly is due to appear at Wicklow Circuit Court for mention in early June 2026.