Collopy brothers accused of assault and running sulky off road in Limerick

David Raleigh

Two Limerick brothers have appeared in court charged over their alleged involvement in running a sulky off a roadway and assaulting the driver and his nephew.

The two accused, Vincent and Jonathan Collopy, pleaded not guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to a total of six charges.

Outlining the State’s case against the brothers, prosecution counsel, John O’Sullivan BL, said the alleged victim, Darren Wallace, of Kishyquirk, Co Limerick, was “driving a horse-drawn sulky or cart” near Sandy Lane in Boher, Co Limerick, when Vincent Collopy allegedly drove a jeep “close behind” the sulky.

Mr O’Sullivan said it is alleged that Vincent Collopy “pushed the (jeep) into the sulky, and forced it off the road and into a dike”.

“It is alleged Vincent Collopy then assaulted Daren Wallace, thereby causing him harm,” counsel said.

Mr O’Sullivan added it is further alleged Vincent Collopy assaulted Jamie Wallace, a nephew of Darren Wallace, who was also present.

He alleged that Jonathan Collopy assaulted Darren Wallace, causing him harm, and that he produced a stick regarded as “an offensive weapon”, during the course of the alleged assault.

Vincent Collopy (44), with an address at St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, denies four charges, including one count of endangerment, one count of dangerous-driving, one count of assault causing harm, and one count of assault.

Jonathan Collopy (37), with an address at St Senan’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, denies two charges, including one count of assault causing harm and one count of production of an article, namely a stick, capable of inflicting serious injury.

Mr O’Sullivan told the jury of seven men and five women they would hear evidence from Darren and Jamie Wallace, other family members, and investigating gardaí.

The trial before judge Tom O’Donnell is due to run for at least a week.