Accused in violent O’Leary home invasion appears in court

A 20-year-old man arrested in connection with a violent O’Leary home invasion on Jan. 29, made a brief court appearance Tuesday.

Ryan James McCarthy, of Forestview, near O’Leary, was in court long enough for his legal aid attorney, Trish Cheverie, to withdraw as his representation, as he has retained private legal counsel.

He was then remanded back into custody, where he has been since his arrest, until his next court date on Thursday, Feb. 22.

McCarthy is facing five charges in relation to the home invasion, including breaking and entering into a home, covering his face with intent to commit an indictable offence, assault with a weapon – a hammer, assault and theft with violence.

Two 16-year-old boys have also been arrested in connection with the same incident. They are also from West Prince. Both have been released from custody until their next appearance in youth court on March 15.

The RCMP is alleging two males wearing masks entered an O’Leary home and confronted the two female occupants. One of the males was armed with a hammer and the other with a small knife.

The women were forced into a room while the two males, one of which is alleged to have been McCarthy, searched the residence for cash.

At some point during the incident, one of the women was struck repeatedly on the head with the hammer. She was later taken to Prince County Hospital in Summerside, treated and released. The second woman was bruised but had no serious physical injuries.

Police don’t believe there were any additional people involved in the incident, but their investigation into the crime is continuing.