Shock and horror following lunchtime attack
Locals in Fermoy have said that they are shocked and horrified following the news of a second alleged assault occurring in the area in just a matter of months.
The alledged assault on a 16 year-old schoolgirl which occurred at Chapel Hill at lunchtime on Monday, has left women in the locality feeling scared for their safety.
On Wednesday, a 34-year-old man, Kamil Szymczak, who has an address in Fermoy, was charged at Mallow District Court with allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-yearold girl.
The victim is believed to have been attacked while walking at Chapel Hill close to St Patrick's Church at 1.20pm.
It is understood that two teenagers came to the girl’s aid after hearing her calls for help. One of the young men who assisted the girl was injured, before the alleged attacker fled the scene.
The girl was taken to a hospital in Cork for treatment. While her injuries are described as not serious, she is described as being traumatised. The young man who was injured also received treatment. However, it is understood that his injury is not serious.
Upon hearing of what is now the second alleged assault in the town, one local woman said: “I’m shocked and horrified. Thank God those two boys came along when they did.”
Another middle-aged woman expressed her shock that such incidents occurred in Fermoy. “I’m shocked that something like that could happen here in Fermoy. Even women of our age are scared,” she said.
Local students who spoke with The Avondhu also expressed their shock following the alleged assault.
“To happen just up the street from our school, it’s pretty shocking,” one student said.
“Has this been going on the whole time and no one is talking about it or is this only happening now?” another queried.
Local councillor Frank O’Flynn, stated that many locals are now concerned about their safety.
“People are concerned about their safety. You’ve to have eyes on the back of your head now. Where are we going as a society if something like this can happen in a quiet, friendly town like Fermoy?
“I’m very concerned that something like this could happen in broad daylight at lunchtime in an exceptionally busy part of the town,” Cllr O’Flynn said.
Local councillor Noel McCarthy stated that he was in shock after hearing about the alleged attack, ‘like everybody else in the area’.
“My heart goes out to the young girl. I hope she recovers well and gets all the support she needs. I have great faith in the Gardaí that they will stamp this out,” Cllr McCarthy said.
ARREST
On Monday evening, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that a man in his 30s had been arrested in relation to the alleged incident and was being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Fermoy Garda Station.
“Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault that occurred at approximately 1.20pm on Monday afternoon 7th February, in Fermoy, Co. Cork. A man in his 30s was arrested in relation to this incident.... Investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson said at the time.
BRAVE
The young men who came to the girl’s assistance during the incident were commended by the local councillors for their actions.
“How lucky are we to have those two brave people risk their own safety to help. We should be proud to have them in our community. They are the real heroes of the day,” Cllr O’Flynn added.
Then on Wednesday, Kamil Szymczak appeared in Mallow District Court where he faced a single charge of sexually assaulting the 16-year-old girl. The charge was brought contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape Amendment Act), 1990.
Judge Alec Gabbett remanded Mr Szymczak in custody for a week after he heard objections from the arresting Detective Garda David Forsythe to a request for bail. The court heard that Mr Szymczak is receiving medical assistance for his addiction issues.
Mr Szymczak is to appear before Mallow District Court again on February 15 by video-link. He was also granted a defence application for free legal aid by Judge Gabbett.