ACCUSED REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A 30-year-old woman accused of involvement in two separate incidents in which two women were allegedly injured, has been further remanded in custody.

Samantha Campbell, Park One, Muirhevnamór, is charged with an aggravated burglary and assault causing harm, at Waterville Crescent, on 5 December last.

She is also accused of assault causing harm at Drive Two, Muirhevnamór on the same date.

Sgt Fintan McGroder said this is an extremely serious matter and there may be further charges.

It is a complex case. The file is quite large and wouldn’t be ready at this early stage, the sergeant continued, in applying for an adjournment.

He added Campbell had been refused bail in the high court.

Solicitor Peter Lavery applied for the charges to be struck out as the state was not ready.

He said his client has been in custody on this matter since 21 December.

It became apparent on the first day this was a serious offence, Mr Lavery continued, noting there is an allegation that an injured party lost an eye from a claw hammer.

He added the defendant is entitled to a strike-out. She has been in custody more than 42 days. It is not fair on her. The state could come again with the charges.

‘It’s the high court that is keeping her in (custody),’ Judge Coughlan remarked.

He said jurisdiction has not been dealt with nor a book of evidence ordered yet.

The judge did agree with Mr Lavery that his client is entitled to some certainty on what’s happening.

Sgt McGroder sought a further adjournment of a month.

Mr Lavery objected and suggested two weeks.

The case was put back to 20 February.