Graigue man allegedly attacked mother and daughter with golf club, Carlow court heard
Carlow courthouse Photo: Michael O'Rourke
A 26-YEAR-old Graiguecullen man has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of criminal damage after allegedly attacking a mother and daughter with a golf club at a house in Carlow town. John Craddock, with an address at 1 Morrins Lane, Graiguecullen, appeared before Carlow District Court via video link after being arrested on the morning of the court sitting.
Defence solicitor Joe Farrell told Judge Geraldine Carthy that “this is a new matter”, adding that his client was due back in the High Court in one week. He had been granted bail for an alleged section 4 theft, but the charges before the court were two section 3 assaults and one for criminal damage.
The court heard that on Friday 9 January, the accused threw a rock at the glass front door of a house in Mount Leinster Park, Carlow town, causing the glass to break. The occupant of the house – a female – ran out with a golf club, which Mr Craddock allegedly took from her and assaulted her with it, causing bruising to her legs and hands.
It is alleged that the injured party’s daughter arrived on the scene and was assaulted by being knocked to the ground and kicked in the ribs, as well as suffering bruising to her face, hand and arm.
The court also heard that, while in custody at Carlow Garda Station, the accused “smeared excrement all over the wall”.
Judge Carthy asked if the accused and injured party were known to each other.
“Yes. The injured parties are mother and child,” replied Mr Farrell.
“This should be in circuit,” said the judge.
Mr Farrell responded: “I’m not so sure that the parties will proceed with prosecution. They are here today. I would ask to keep it in this jurisdiction.” He added that he understood the accused had gone to the house to “visit his child”.
Judge Carthy said that the pre-existing relationship between the parties “is an aggravating factor”.
Mr Craddock was remanded on bail and the judge asked that a book of evidence should be prepared “fairly lively, fairly quick”.
The case will continue later this month.
