Tralee Court round-up: Alleged assault, and the presumption of innocence
The KerrymanA judge has denied bail to a man at Tralee District Court due to concerns over witness intimidation.
Eddie Murphy (37) of Inniscarra Road, Fairhill, Cork appeared in the dock as a garda listed his considerable objections to bail.
He is charged with assault and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate another person on July 29 at Hollygrove, Broomfield, Middletown, Cork. He was further charged with criminal damage on August 4 at the same address. He said he had no representation due to the solicitors’ withdrawal of services.
Objections included the seriousness of the alleged crime. The garda alleged Mr Murphy pulled a woman to a wall, headbutted her and threatened to burn her house. It was also alleged he threatened to kill another woman if she did not withdraw a statement against him.
As the garda explained his objections to bail, an elderly man in a flat cap yawned so loudly it attracted attention from the garda who oversees order in the courtroom.
The testifying garda noted concerns over the possibility of witness interference.
The accused appeared to have “a relation with drink that creates serious difficulties” for the women involved, said the garda.
When asked if he had legal representation, Mr Murphy replied, “they won’t talk to me, they’re on strike”.
The garda stressed no conditions could satisfy bail.
Citing the possibility of witness interference, Judge Elizabeth Healy told Mr Murphy he enjoyed the presumption of innocence but she had “to balance all of the other things”.
“Yep, no bother,” said Mr Murphy. “I understand.”
The case is adjourned to Tuesday, August 11 in North Cork.
His was amongst a handful of items at Tralee District Court.
District Court sittings are limited to Thursdays in Tralee during August. Additionally, solicitors across Ireland have withdrawn services in protest of controversial reforms to legal aid payments. As such, the list was largely for prisoners.
Denis McCarthy (39) of Ballyspillane, Killarney was present to plead guilty to assault causing harm. The court will hear his plea on September 9. No victim impact statement is expected. He was represented by Padraig O’Connell.
Sean Cronin (44) of no fixed abode was present to submit a signed plea in relation to a charge of criminal damage to a fleece and jacket at Intersport Elverys in The Mall, Tralee December 10, 2025. Mr Cronin, represented by Mr O’Connell, was being sent forward to the next sitting of Tralee Circuit Court on this plea for sentencing.
He was further charged with criminal damage to a log cabin at Anablaha, Kilcummin, Killarney on November 27, 2025. It is alleged he pulled out wires, damaged the roof and broke two lamps, causing damage estimated at €2,500. He was remanded in custody to August 20 for this charge.
A man was released from custody after his arrest in Limerick on Wednesday when he breached a protection order. He cannot be identified to protect the identity of the alleged victim. He is to keep out of Parnell Street, Davis Street and People’s Park in Limerick. His case was adjourned to September 2 at Court 6, Limerick.