A LIMERICK court heard how a victim was allegedly subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a man and a woman forced their way into his home, hit him with a hammer, and showed him what looked like a bullet, warning him he would be shot if he told anyone.
The man was also stabbed with a knife from his own kitchen, it was alleged.
Judge Fiona Brennan was hearing why Gardaí were objecting to bail for Gavin Hayes (32), with an address at Blackboy Terrace, Limerick City, who is facing charges of assault, aggravated burglary, and threatening to kill.
Detective Garda Cathal MacGearailt told Limerick District Court that Gardaí were objecting to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges, the penalties the accused would face if convicted, and concerns that he would not come to court to answer the charges if allowed bail.
The detective gave evidence that the injured party answered a knock on the door of his apartment on Cecil Street on the night the alleged crimes were committed.
“Two people, a male and a female, pushed their way into the apartment. The female was carrying a hammer. She started thrashing the apartment,” Detective MacGearailt said.
“The male took an object out of his pocket, which appeared to be a bullet, and told the injured party he would be shot at if he said anything.
“The female struck the injured party with the hammer, then the male took the hammer and struck him with it to the back of the head.”
The detective added that “the female took a knife from the apartment and stabbed him in the chest with it, causing a small laceration”.
Detective MacGearailt said it is alleged the pair stole €55 in cash, three smart phones, a passport, Visa card, and watches, including an imitation Rolex.
Accepting that Mr Hayes is innocent of all charges unless proven guilty, Detective MacGearailt said the alleged offences are “very serious” and carry penalties up to life in prison for anyone convicted.
He said there was concern that Mr Hayes might not turn up for trial if given bail.
Contesting the Garda objections, Mr Hayes’ solicitor, Darrach McCarthy, said his client is a “father of four and Shannon, County Clare, is his (home) address”.
Judge Brennan said that in light of the objections the seriousness of the offences and the penalties if the accused is convicted, she was refusing bail.
She remanded Mr Hayes in custody to appear before the court on September 2.
– Court Reporting Scheme
