Man appears in court charged with four assaults on women in Athlone
A man in his 50s has appeared in court charged in connection to four separate assaults on women in Athlone yesterday (Wednesday).
Fifty-two-year-old Tim Dennehy of Glanmore, Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork appeared before Judge Peter White at a sitting of Mullingar District Court following his arrest yesterday afternoon.
The accused was charged with two section 2 assaults on women at Northgate Street, Athlone, and Golden Island Car Park, in addition to two more serious section 3 assault causing harm charges at the same latter location and along the town’s Abbey Road area.
He was also charged with two public order charges - of behaving in an abusive or threatening manner - at Wildhunter Firearm, Dealer Unit 7, The Diskin Centre, Golden Island, Athlone, Westmeath and at Gleeson Street yesterday.
Garda Conor Wynne said Mr Dennehy made no reply after caution to any of the six charges at 2.30am this morning following his arrest at Athlone Train Station at 1pm yesterday afternoon.
Mark Cooney, in defence, addressed the court to state he had endeavoured but ultimately failed to obtain instructions from the accused ahead of his attendance in court.
Judge White was told the State would be objecting to bail as Judge White attempted to engage with Mr Dennehy.
“Why are you asking me?” Mr Dennehy asked Judge White, when it was put to him if he intended to apply for bail.
Despite repeated attempts by Judge White and warnings given to Mr Dennehy that the court was not willing to engage in a dialogue, the accused shouted back: “What it is it then if it’s not a f****** dialogue, you f****** idiot.”
Given the lack of a formal application for bail being made, Judge White remanded Mr Dennehy in custody to appear before a sitting of Athlone District Court on Wednesday next, April 9, via video link.
Sgt Orla Keenan asked for any appropriate medical treatment to be given to Mr Dennehy during his time in custody, in an application that was granted by Judge White.
In the wake of that decision, Mr Dennehy refused to stand following the conclusion of proceedings and had to be carried out the courtroom door by a number of Gardaí.