Three men have appeared in court in Limerick charged in connection with an alleged “crucifixion” style attack on a 52-year-old man in which his feet were allegedly nailed to the floor.
Two nails had to be surgically removed from the victim after it’s alleged he was subjected to an “animalistic” style attack at a house in Limerick city last year.
Three men appeared before Limerick District Court on Thursday charged in connection with the alleged incident.
Ger Mackin (33), with an address at Star Court, John Carew Park, Limerick, Mark Heffernan (32), Swallow Drive, John Carew Park, Limerick and Patrick Hayes (52) of Larch Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick are each charged with false imprisonment and the assault causing harm of Dan Quilligan on September 14th, 2015.
It’s alleged Mr Quilligan was lured to a house in Larch Court, Kennedy Park Limerick, where he was threatened and set upon by three men who were dressed in white protective “forensic” style suits.
Outlining the allegations during a contested bail hearing at Limerick District Court, Detective Garda David Bourke said the assailants, who claimed to be members of the IRA, threatened the victim with a nail gun – used for driving nails into timber – and asked him if he would 'like it in the eye or the head'.
The court heard it’s alleged a nail was shot through each of Mr Quilligan’s feet and that the two nails were later surgically removed in hospital.
It’s also alleged the men demanded €15,000 from the 52-year-old.
Outlining the allegations, Det Garda Burke said it was an extremely violent occurrence, “almost animalistic in nature, to effectively crucify him”.
Judge Marian O’Leary refused all three bail applications and remanded the men in custody until May 31st.