Objection to bail for man who poured boiling water over woman at Cork house

A kettle of boiling water was poured over a woman in her bedroom by a man who kicked in her front door, and her partner was stabbed in the face with a scissors, it was alleged yesterday, as gardaí objected to bail being granted to an accused man.

Detective Sergeant Colin Greenway objected to bail being granted to Michael O’Connor because of the seriousness of the allegations in the case.

“He has serious addiction issues with heroin and crack cocaine, and if granted bail, I believe his behaviour would continue to be erratic,” the detective said. “There is concern about danger to members of the public.”

Michael O’Connor, aged 43, of no fixed address, said his alcohol and drug difficulties were behind him and that he just wanted to change his ways and stay clean and sober. He also said he wanted to attend to the medical attention he needed following a stabbing to his face that occurred days after the alleged incident on which he is charged.

Det Sgt Greenway said he was aware that the defendant had been the victim of an assault which was also being investigated by gardaí, and had his nose almost completely severed from his face.

Michael O’Connor said there was extensive surgery, as a result of which he had to return to hospital to have stitches removed: “They sewed my nose back together.”

The detective objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the alleged burglary.

“On April 28, a male and female attended the Anglesea Garda Station public office after 1am and they both reported that they were victims of an assault which was alleged to have occurred within the property at Old Blackrock Road, Cork city,” Det Sgt Greenway said.

“It was alleged that two males known to them kicked in the front door of the apartment, causing damage. They both alleged that they were assaulted by a Michael O’Connor and another male. Both parties alleged that they were assaulted with a scissors, and the female alleged that she had a kettle of boiling hot water poured over her.

“The woman presented with visible burns and scalding to her neck and body, and was having trouble catching her breath. The man sustained three minor stab wounds to his face and body as a result of the alleged scissors attack.

“They were both taken to Mercy University Hospital by ambulance.”

Judge Catherine Ryan refused the bail application made through solicitor Eddie Burke, and remanded the defendant in custody until May 21.