'I want to pay the consequences': Cork man accused of assaulting woman declines bail

A 37-year-old man accused of producing a knife and assaulting a woman causing her harm said in court that he did not want bail, adding: “I did something bad… I want to pay the consequence.” 

Detective Garda Tom Delaney arrested the accused man at 11.30pm on Wednesday, July 1, and charged him shortly before 4am on July 2. Three charges were brought against the accused.

He is charged with breaching a protection order contrary to the Domestic Violence Act. The specifics of the charge refer to an alleged breach on June 30 of the protection order granted to the applicant on June 19.

The second count is one of assault causing harm to the woman contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. This charge also relates to the same time and place.

The third charge refers to the production of a kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate another person on the same occasion.

Cautioned that he did not have to say anything but that whatever he might say would be taken down in writing and could be given in evidence, the defendant replied to each charge: “I want to say sorry for everything.” 

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said there was an objection to bail being granted to the accused at the in-camera sitting of Cork District Court. It was dealt with in-camera because the parties to the Domestic Violence Act charge have a right to anonymity.

Judge David Waters explained to the defendant what was going on in court as he did not have legal representation due to the withdrawal of services by solicitors because of the dispute over changes to the free legal aid scheme.

Advising the accused that a solicitor may tell him not to say anything at this stage that might incriminate himself, the judge asked him if he was applying for bail. The 37-year-old replied to the judge:

I did something bad, I didn’t try to kill anyone but I want to pay the consequence.

Again advising him not to incriminate himself, the judge asked: “Do you want to apply for bail or be remanded in custody?” He replied: “I want to go into custody.”

Judge Waters remanded him in custody until July 9. Sergeant Davis said directions in the case would be sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The defendant will appear by video link from prison on the next occasion.