Man ‘hit his neighbour 9 times with hammer’

Court told of alleged victim’s serious injuries

A MAN struck his neighbour “nine times across the head” with a “hammer” after the pair had a falling out on Friday, it was claimed.

James Bugler appeared before a special siting of Limerick District Court yesterday accused of assault causing harm to his neighbour Martin Power.

The 39-year-old, with an address at Hassett’s Villas, Thomondgate, Limerick, was also charged with production of “a hammer” during the course of the alleged assault and with causing criminal damage to a window at the alleged victim’s home, all on the same date. Mr Power underwent emergency surgery for serious head injuries at Cork University Hospital on Saturday night.

The court heard the longterm impact of his injuries was as yet unknown.

Objecting to bail, Garda Dave Barry said it would be alleged Bugler and Mr Power had a disagreement on Friday after “difficulties” arose between the pair following a number of “antisocial behaviour” incidents.

The officer claimed CCTV footage shows the accused approaching Mr Power’s home with a hammer and smashing a window.

He said the images also show Bugler “striking” Mr Power “several times with the hammer across the head” before he left.

Gda Barry told the court Mr Power sustained “serious head injuries” and was initially treated at University Hospital Limerick before being transferred to CUH.

He added Mr Power underwent surgery for a depressed skull fracture and he was in a serious condition in the neurosurgery ward at CUH.

The officer said gardai “anticipated further more serous charges” would be brought.

He further stated CCTV footage allegedly shows Bugler “striking the injured party nine times across the head”.

Gda Barry added officers found a “blood trail going from the injured party’s home to the applicant’s house”.

He said gardai believed if granted bail Bugler would

“commit offences”.

Under cross-examination by the accused’s solicitor Michelle Cosgrave, Gda Barry acknowledged gardai had not recovered a hammer.

Ms Cosgrave told the court that CCTV of the alleged incident was not clear and that no weapon was recovered.

Judge Marian O’leary remanded Mr Bugler in custody, with consent to €1,000 bail, of which €750 must be lodged and approved by the courts.

He was remanded to appear before Limerick District Court again tomorrow.

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