A man has been remanded in continuing custody charged with stabbing a man with a large butcher’s knife during a burglary at a house in Limerick, writes David Raleigh.
Liam Keane, aged 31, appeared before Limerick District Court today charged with one count of assault causing harm and with one count of burglary.
The alleged victim and his family have fled their home “in fear” of Mr Keane, an earlier court hearing on the allegations heard.
Solicitor Ted McCarthy said today that Mr Keane has been refused bail at the district court, but is due to appear before the High Court, Dublin, next Thursday, where he intends to apply for bail.
Mr Keane, of Singland Gardens, Ballysimon, is alleged to have illegally entered a house in Limerick city on May 29 last, armed with a large knife, and put a family “in fear”.
During a previous contested bail hearing, Gardaí alleged Mr Keane forced his way into the house, “in possession of a large butcher’s knife which he used to threaten the occupants”.
“He made his way to an upstairs bedroom at the rear of the house brandishing the knife,” said Garda Orlaith Ryan, Henry Street garda station.
“He pulled back bedclothes where a 14-year old girl was sleeping and he put her in fear.”
Garda Ryan said Mr Keane moved to a second bedroom in the house and “threatened” a man and his pregnant partner with a knife, “putting them in both in extreme fear”.
It is alleged Mr Keane stabbed the man on his arm on the morning in question.
Garda Ryan said, it was her belief, that if he was granted bail, Mr Keane would “commit further serious offences”.
“This is a volatile individual,” Garda Ryan said. “If he does get bail, he has access to firearms, and the injured parties may be at risk,” she added.
Garda Ryan said the family had moved to a secret location.
“Their location, including the 14-year old girl, is known only by Gardaí,” she said.
“Arrangements have been put in place for their security,” Sgt Donal Cronin, prosecuting, said.
The court was told the girl who was due to sit her Junior Certificate and “is in extreme fear” since the alleged incident.
Mr Keane has “maintained his innocence”, Tom Kiely, solicitor, told the bail hearing.
Gardaí said they were “ultra concerned” Mr Keane would “commit further serious offences” if granted bail.
Today, the court heard there were no DPP directions as yet in the case.
Mr Keane appeared before the district court on remand, via video link from Limerick Prison, dressed in an adidas tracksuit top.
He spoke only to confirm his name and that he could hear and see the court.
Judge Marian O’Leary remanded Mr Keane in continuing custody to appear in court via video link on July 19, for DPP directions.
