Teenager charged in connection with stabbing of army chaplain at Galway barracks
The teenager, who can’t be identified as he is a minor, is charged with assault causing harm to Fr Paul Murphy at Renmore Barracks
A 16-year-old boy has been remanded in custody after appearing before a special sitting of Galway District Juvenile Court on Saturday afternoon in relation to the stabbing of an army chaplain at Renmore Barracks in the city on Thursday night.
The teenager, who can’t be identified as he is a minor, is charged with assault causing harm to Fr Paul Murphy at Renmore Barracks. Judge Gerard Furlong was told during a bail hearing that further, more serious charges may follow.
Garda Conor Breen gave evidence of arresting the accused at 11:10pm on August 15 at Renmore Army Barracks and charging him at 11:31pm on August 16. Garda Breen said the accused made no reply when charged.
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Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty said Gardaí were objecting to bail for a number of reasons, including the seriousness of the charge.
Det Sgt McNulty said the accused is charged with an offence which carries a sentence of up to five years imprisonment on conviction. He said it is envisaged that further charges may follow when the matter is fully investigated.
Det Sgt McNulty said that Fr Murphy was attacked as he waited to enter Renmore Barracks. He told Judge Furlong that Fr Murphy is recovering after surgery in hospital.
The accused spoke briefly to his solicitor during the 32-minute hearing but did not address the court. Judge Furlong said he was refusing bail because of the seriousness of the case and the strength of the evidence.
He remanded the accused in custody to Oberstown Children's Detention Campus in Dublin and to appear before Galway District Court next Tuesday (August 20) by video link.
Judge Furlong granted the accused free legal aid and certified for the assignment of counsel. He also directed that the accused have access to appropriate medical and psychological care on arrival at the detention centre.
A press release from An Garda Síochána in advance of the court sitting reminded the media and members of the public that strict reporting restrictions were in place because the accused is a child.
“An Garda Síochána reminds any member of the public reporting or commenting on this incident of the provisions of section 93 Children Act 2001, which imposes restrictions on the publication of any particulars, including any picture, which is likely to lead to the identification of any child concerned in any criminal proceedings,” it stated.
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