Case to go back before judge

A man who pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman, causing her harm, had his case adjourned last week.

Francis Trimble, (37), formerly of Farndreg, pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman causing her harm at the Carrick Road on August 3 2014. The case, which was heard by Judge Conal Gibbons last year, had been adjourned for a probation report, which, the court was told last week, recommended a probation bond.

But Sgt. McGroder told Judge John Coughlan that Gardai had received a victim impact report from the victim the night before and a copy was handed to the judge, and defence solicitor Peter Lavery. The court was told the victim report was ‘quite strong’.

Judge Coughlan said: ‘It was a bad assault. It appears that custody is the way forward’. Mr Lavery said Judge Gibbons had heard the case and is in charge of it.

Judge Coughlan asked: ‘Are you judge hopping?’ and Mr Lavery said he wasn’t, but the Probation Service had suggested that there was an anti violence course that may be suitable for Trimble.

Judge Coughlan said he wanted to consider jurisdiction himself and adjourned the case for a short time, telling the defendant: ‘Five years is the maximum you can get at the circuit court’.

When the case was recalled, Mr Lavery said the case had been adjourned to see what Judge Gibbons was going to do. Trimble was remanded on continuing bail to April 5 when a date for Judge Gibbons to finalise the matter will be fixed.