A man accused of assault, criminal damage and burglary at St Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth, has been remanded in custody to the medical wing of Cloverhill Prison in Dublin.
Damien Connolly Prouse (28) of Ballivor, Co Meath appeared at Naas District Court on Wednesday charged with four counts of assault; two counts of criminal damage and one of burglary.
Garda Elaine Commins of Leixlip Garda station told Judge Desmond Zaidan gardaí had been alerted to an attack at the college shortly before 7pm on Monday night. She said when she got there she found one man on the ground who has serious facial damage and blood spouting from one eye. She told the court the man, who she identified as “Fr Shortall” was also vomiting.
She said Fr Shortall had been asked by his attacker if he was a priest and had answered in the affirmative before the attack commenced.
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Garda Cummins also gave evidence that another man Noel Clifford had been forced to stop his car by the accused, who had opened the door and punched Mr Clifford in the face.
Garda Cummins also said a nearby car had been criminally damaged with its wing mirrors kicked off, a charging cable forcefully pulled out and its panels damaged.
Garda Cummins also gave evidence that two further men Johnathan McIvor and Keith Horan had been walking when they were attacked and punched in the face by the accused.
She said she had a further statement from Ivan Griffin who worked at the college that an unidentified male had pulled a handle off a door to get access to the college buildings.
She said: “I have a huge concern that if this man is released on bail that he would commit more offences.”
Mr Connolly Prouse’s father Damien Prouse said his son had suffered from mental health difficulties since he was 11-years-old. He said his son was a diagnosed schizophrenic and had been receiving treatment at a HSE psychiatric unit. “I feel he needs real help and he is not getting it,” Mr Prouse senior said.
“I don’t believe he should be let out, but I do believe he needs help,” he added.
Mark Gibbons BL for Mr Connolly Prouse said he had a concern that “custody could be for an indefinite amount of time.”
Judge Desmond Zaidan remanded Mr Connolly Prouse to Cloverhill Prison to appear before Naas District Court by video link on February 12th, he said he wanted it to be clear that his order was to the prison’s medical wing. Judge Zaidan further ordered a full medical assessment be undertaken with access to all of Mr Connolly Prouse’s medical records. If this recommended treatment, he ordered that Mr Connolly Prouse receive it.
“This young man is uncontrollable because his illness is not controlled,” the judge said.
“I am satisfied that the objections by the State [to bail] are well grounded,” he said.
