Girl, 16, and woman, 40s, due in court again over assault on Scarlett Faulkner

A TEENAGE girl and a woman are due to appear in court, via video-link, in Thurles this Wednesday, in connection with the ongoing investigation into the serious assault of  mum-of-one  Scarlett Faulkner from Limerick city.

The girl, aged 16, and woman, 40s, were charged at a special sitting of Limerick District Court on Saturday.

The 16-year-old girl was charged with assault causing serious harm to Scarlett, aged 29, last Saturday week, March 21 on the R494 in Birdhill.

The teenager “laughed when shown a photo” by gardai of the mother on the ground, the court heard. 

It was alleged by gardai, during a contested bail application, that Scarlett was struck to the head area 11 times with an iron bar (see full court report on page 7).

Both accused were remanded in custody to appear in court in Thurles, via video-link, this Wednesday.

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Candles continue to be lit in churches and homes, and prayers offered up for the full recovery of Scarlett, who remained in a critical condition.

The  most recent update from the Faulkner family is that their beloved Scarlett is in an induced coma in Cork University Hospital.

“They're keeping her on the machines as of now,” said Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, the partner of Scarlett's brother Thomas.

 “They're trying to reduce the sedation but when they're trying to reduce the sedation, her brain is swelling so now she's fully sedated again. They will slowly try it during the week and try it without the brain swelling.

“They're going to keep trying and when they do try, and if the swelling stays down, then they will try to wake her up to see if she has any movement, any activity and then put her back into sedation to heal,” said Josephine.

A prayer gathering for Scarlett took place at the shrine in Ballynanty on Saturday afternoon. 

A decade of the rosary was said for Scarlett’s full recovery from her injuries at the well-attended community event.

Josephine said the Faulkner family ask people to please keep praying for Scarlett’s recovery.

“They're very, very grateful. They're very thankful for all the prayers, everyone that's lighting candles, for every message,” said Joanne.