A 22-year-old man was denied bail Thursday and remanded in custody after appearing before Limerick District Court charged with assault causing harm, violent disorder and producing a weapon capable of inflicting serious injury following a St. Patrick’s Day assault that left a man in critical condition.
Darren Mason, of St. Munchin’s Street, St. Mary’s Park, Limerick, is accused of assaulting Liam Higgins, 55, on the night of March 17th, outside Radcliffe’s Pub on Athlunkard Street. Detective Garda Aoife Keane told the court that Mason made no reply when charged at Henry Street Garda Station, as reported by RTÉ.
The court heard that Higgins sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident. CCTV footage presented during the bail hearing allegedly showed Mason and others throwing traffic bollards at Higgins and stamping on his head. However, Gardaí acknowledged the footage also depicts Higgins initiating the confrontation by stabbing Mason with a knife, according to the Limerick Post. Mason reportedly told Gardaí he was acting in self-defense.
Solicitor John Herbert, representing Mason, informed the court that the alleged offences occurred within two minutes of his client being stabbed. Mason received medical treatment for his injuries even as in custody, receiving stitches for his wounds. The court also heard evidence that Higgins produced two knives during the altercation.
Judge Patricia Harney refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented by Detective Garda Keane. Mason is scheduled to reappear before Limerick District Court on March 24th.
The investigation is ongoing, with Gardaí having made two further arrests Thursday afternoon. Two men in their 20s are currently being detained at a Garda station in Limerick under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, according to MSN. Their involvement in the incident remains unclear.
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