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A Limerick man hit his neighbor “nine times over the head” with a “hammer” after the couple had a fight last Friday, a court heard today.
James Bugler, 39, appeared before a special session of the Limerick District Court on charges of assault that caused damage to his next-door neighbor, Martin Power, on May 8.
Bugler, with an address at Hassett’s Villas, Thomondgate, Limerick, was also charged with producing “a hammer” during the alleged assault and, for causing criminal damage to a window in the alleged victim’s home, all on the same date.
Power underwent emergency surgery for serious head injuries at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on Saturday night.
The court heard that the impact of his injuries was still unknown.
Garda Dave Barry, Mayorstone Garda Station, Limerick, objecting to bail, said Bugler and Mr Power would be alleged to have had a “disagreement” last Friday, after “difficulties” arose between the couple, after a series of “antisocial behaviors”. “incidents.
Garda Barry alleged that CCTV footage, collected by Gardai, shows Bugler approaching Power’s house with a hammer and breaking a window in the house.
He said that CCTV footage also shows Mr. Bugler “hitting” Mr. Power “multiple times with the hammer over the head” before leaving “without regard” to the injured party.
Garda Barry said Power suffered “serious head injuries” and was initially treated at Limerick University Hospital before being transferred to CUH for surgery.
“He had surgery last night for a depressed skull fracture, and was in serious condition in the neurosurgery room at Cork University Hospital.”
“It is still unknown if there will be any long-term effects from his injuries.”
Garda Barry added that Gardaí “anticipated other more serious charges” against Mr. Bugler, in connection with the alleged assault.
He further claimed that CCTV footage allegedly shows Bugler “hitting the injured part nine times on the head.”
Gardaí found a “trace of blood from the injured party’s home to the applicant’s home,” he added.
Garda Barry said Gardaí believed that if released on bail, Bugler “would commit more serious crimes.”
Under questioning by the defendant’s attorney Michelle Cosgrave, Garda Barry acknowledged that Gardaí had not recovered a hammer.
Garda Barry said Power had told Gardaí “that a hammer was used during the attack.”
Garda Barry told Cosgrave that the CCTV footage of the alleged assault was taken “from a distance of approximately thirty yards.”
He acknowledged that the footage “was not of high quality” but was of “average quality”.
“It shows that the incident happened,” continued Garda Barry.
Ms. Cosgrave disputed Garda Barry’s claims that Bugler “left the area without seeking medical attention for the injured party” after the alleged assault.
Ms. Cosgrave reiterated in court that “CCTV” of the alleged incident “was unclear” and that “no weapons were recovered.”
Judge Marian O’Leary imprisoned Bugler in custody, with the consent of a € 1,000 bond, of which € 750 must be presented and approved by the courts.
If you apply for bond, Bugler, who the court heard received a disability allowance for being diagnosed with social anxiety and depression, must remain outside the city of Limerick, except to attend court and legal counsel meetings , and to collect social assistance payments.
Must reside at an address in Shannon, Co Clare; observe a night curfew; sign daily at Shannon Garda station, turn in your passport; be well behaved; and not commit any crime.
He was ordered to appear again before the Limerick District Court on May 12 to receive instructions from the Director of the Prosecutor’s Office.
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