Court hears allegation that Cork man squeezed woman's neck in bed until she lost consciousness

A young woman lost consciousness when she was assaulted in her bedroom by a man who jumped on top of her and squeezed her neck with his hands, it was alleged, as gardaí objected to bail being granted to the accused.

Judge David Waters refused to grant bail to 31-year-old Alex McSweeney who lives at an apartment at the Farm School Road, Whitechurch, saying the allegations in this assault causing harm charge were extremely serious and that he would be facing a long time in custody if convicted.

The judge said: “I honestly believe that (strict bail conditions) would not prevent him committing further serious offences when he consumes alcohol. I think he poses a real danger, not just to the person in the Section 3 (the woman named as the injured party in the assault causing harm charge) but to other persons as well. I can’t conceive of any conditions that would stop him. I refuse bail.” 

Judge Waters remanded Mr McSweeney in custody until October 28, on the application of Sergeant John Dineen at Cork District Court.

Garda Jennifer Desmond testified that in the early hours of Sunday October 18, it is alleged that he began arguing with a woman who was known to him, at her home in Cork. She lay down on her bed. Moments later, it is alleged that Alex McSweeney then jumped on top of her while she was in bed and placed his hands on her neck applying pressure which made her lose consciousness. She woke up a minute or two later in bed.

Judge Waters said of the garda objection to bail that it was concerning that it was not just the assault causing harm charge in relation to the woman, but that Alex McSweeney was also charged with assaulting a child on another occasion, refusing to give a sample in the investigation of a suspected drink driving issue, and smashing six panes of glass at a barber's shop.

On Monday October 19 at around 5pm, it is alleged that he took a scooter from a child at Church Road in Blackrock, and put it in the boot of his car. In the course of this incident, it is alleged that he assaulted the child, by grabbing his arm.

He was later arrested for suspected drink-driving and charged with refusing to give a sample of blood or urine. He was also before the court charged with causing criminal damage at Reis Barbers at Glanmire Business Park, smashing six panes of glass on Sunday October 18.

The defendant, who was represented by solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher, said that he was sober for more than five years, but had a recent slip.

He said he had would have no contact with the woman he is accused of assaulting, and would live at Whitechurch and comply with any conditions of bail that might be imposed on him.

Judge Waters said the charges amounted to an allegation that “this man went on a rampage” and there was no guarantee that he would not commit further offences if granted bail.