Wicklow man accused of assaulting parents and gardaí directed to High Court over bail
The Wicklow PeopleA man accused of assaulting his parents and members of An Garda Síochána has been directed to bring his bail application before the High Court after a judge refused the request at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court
Shane McCann (42) formerly of Wolfe Tone Square West, Bray appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for a bail hearing.
Mr McCann is charged with two counts of assault causing harm and one charge of possession of an offensive weapon.
It is alleged by the prosecution that in August 2024 the accused assaulted his mother, father and three gardaí, who attended the scene, with a crowbar.
It is further alleged that multiple animals were injured during the incident. The court heard that part of the alleged assault was captured on CCTV footage.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, James Kelly, described the matter as an “alleged serious and graphic assault”.
Barrister for Mr McCann, Thomas Finnerty, stated that his client had been refused bail in August 2025 by Judge John Martin.
Legal aid was extended at a previous sitting to allow for a psychiatric report to be furnished. However, Mr Finnerty told the court that the instructing solicitor had written to a doctor, who declined to complete the report, stating that he had not been paid by the Legal Aid Board for previous reports prepared for other accused persons before the court.
It was also noted that the Irish Prison Service had declined counsel’s request for a psychiatric assessment.
Judge Patrick Quinn denied the bail application and directed counsel to bring the matter before the High Court, noting that it has inherent jurisdiction, which allows it to make orders necessary to ensure fair procedures and the proper administration of justice.
The court was told that if a sentence is ultimately imposed, it will be backdated to the date Mr McCann entered custody.
“As it stands, he is an innocent man who has a number of things to live for,” said Mr Finnerty, adding: “He is a decent man when not in the throes of addiction.”
The matter was adjourned to the next call over of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on April 14.