Judge describes Kilcar assault case as 'borderline' for District Court

The case of two men charged with seriously assaulting a man in Kilcar has been described as a “borderline” case in terms of being heard in the District Court.

Co-accused James McAteer and Callum Richmond have each been charged with assaulting Cian Carr and causing him harm at Keenaghan, Kilcar on May 4, 2024.

The charge is contrary to section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 as amended by section 20 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2023.

McAteer is a 23-year-old of The Green, Wolstan Haven, Celbridge, Co Kildare, and Richmond, a 22-year-old with an address at Galgorm Gardens, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

At Glenties District Court, Inspector Tony Byrne submitted a medical report and photos to Judge Emile Daly.

Inspector Byrne said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented to the matter being dealt with summarily in the District Court.

Judge Daly said she accepted jurisdiction in the case, but said: “It is a borderline case in my view.”

Disclosure is to be given to the respective legal teams by February 25 next before the parties will go before the court again to indicate whether they are pleading guilty or seeking a hearing date to dispute the charge.

The pair were remanded on continuing bail and the case was adjourned.