Aran islander charged with violent assault in pub

A 55-year-old Aran man has been charged in connection with a violent incident which took place in his local pub on St. Stephen’s Night last year.

Mossie Joyce, from Mainistir, Cill Rónáin, Inis Mór, appeared in custody before Galway District Court this week.

Garda John Kavanagh from Kilronan Garda Station gave evidence to the court of arresting the defendant at Galway Courthouse earlier that morning and putting three charges to him.

Joyce was charged with assaulting Stephen Dirrane, causing him harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, at Ostan Arainn, Cill Rónáin, on December 26, 2015.

He was also charged with committing violent disorder at the premises on the same date, in that he – along with Nathan Joyce, Thomas John Joyce and Ryan Joyce – used or threatened to use violence, thereby causing other people present to fear for their safety.

Joyce was further charged with a lesser count of assaulting Mr Dirrane on the same occasion, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.

Garda Kavanagh said Joyce made no reply when the three charges were put to him.

He said the DPP had directed the charges be dealt with summarily at District Court level.

A medical report from the local GP on the island, pertaining to Mr Dirrane, was handed into court.

In reply to Judge Fahy, Sergeant Gerry Dunne explained that was the only medical report available.  He said that while Mr Dirrane had been referred to a consultant, he did not attend, and there was no other report.

Judge Mary Fahy accepted jurisdiction to deal with the matter, subject, she said, to nothing else showing up on any possible future medical report.

Garda Kavanagh said he had no objection to Joyce securing bail provided a condition was attached that he not interfere with witnesses.

Judge Fahy remanded Joyce on his own bail of €500, with no lodgement required, to appear back before Galway District Court on March 8 next.

Bail was granted on condition Joyce have no contact, whatsoever, by any means – to include social media – with the complainant or any witnesses; and that he be of good behaviour.

The judge made an order directing that copies of all statements and CCTV be sent to Colin Lynch solicitors, defending.

She also granted Joyce Free Legal Aid and warned him that if he breached his bail conditions over Christmas he would be brought before a special court sitting at any time.