Wicklow man accused of biting garda faces four-month wait for hearing due to legal aid dispute
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man accused of assaulting multiple gardaí, including allegedly biting one officer and breaking the skin, has had his court hearing adjourned until January due to the withdrawal of legal aid services.
Rory Killen (42), with an address at Richmond Hill, Bray, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with two counts of common assault, one count of assault causing harm against a member of An Garda Síochána and one public order offence.
It is alleged that on December 8, 2025, Mr Killen was being held in the holding cells at Bray Courthouse when gardaí entered the area.
Mr Killen is accused of assaulting multiple gardaí, striking them in the body and face before allegedly biting a garda and breaking the skin.
Rory Killen (42) outside Bray Courthouse. © Darragh Mccann
The garda later missed six weeks of work, but did not require a tetanus injection as he “didn’t contract any viruses or infections”.
Previously, the court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directed that the matter be dealt with at District Court level instead of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
The court was told that Mr Killen’s solicitor, Brendan Maloney, is currently taking part in the withdrawal of services from legal aid work.
The withdrawal of services follows a dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Government over proposed legal aid reforms brought in on July 1 by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Sergeant Mick Dee said that the matter was previously scheduled for a hearing, but was cancelled due to the withdrawal.
Judge Paula Cullinane adjourned the matter until January 21 for hearing.