Louth judge blocks legal aid as counsel not ‘properly instructed’ leading to adjournment
A serious assault case could not be concluded at Dundalk District Court after the presiding judge said that the defendant’s solicitor hadn’t properly instructed counsel.
Adam O’Neill (23), Brewers Close, Mill Street, Dublin 8, appeared via video link for finalisation of a charge of assault causing harm which arose after he punched a man in a Dundalk pub four years ago.
Court presenter Sgt Richie Browne said that on April 23, 2022, the victim was punched repeatedly in the face by an unkwown male in The Phoenix Bar, Park Street, Dundalk.
Investigators obtained CCTV footage which identified Adam O’Neill as the culprit.
He subsequently took a bench warrant when failing to appear in court on March 5, 2025.
Sgt Browne continued that there was no medical report. A Victim Impact Statement by the injured man indicated that he suffered a fractured eye socket.
Sgt Browne said that there was “damage” to the eye socket.
Mr O’Neill has 20 previous convictions, among them two for Section 2 assault.
Barrister Pearse Collins said he had been instructed by solictor Brian Keenan that the matter was for finalisation.
The defendant didn’t engage with the Probation Service. Counsel sought an adjournment for “proper instructions”.
Mr O’Neill complained that the case had been adjourned “so many times”.
"Your barrister hasn’t been properly instructed,” Judge Nicola Andrews said to him.
She directed that there be no payment on legal aid for the day.
The defendant was remanded in custody to March 25 via video link with Mr Keenan to attend on that date, the judge continued.
Judge Andrews apologised to Adam O’Neill, telling him that the case would be dealt with next Wednesday.