Friendship with the victim ‘unfortunately turned sour’, Limerick court hears in Hayes brothers' case

TWO BROTHERS from Kildimo who have pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing wrenches and a hurley were back in the dock at Limerick Circuit Court this Friday.

The court heard a friendship with the victim had “unfortunately turned sour”.

Daragh Hayes, aged 37, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, production of an article, namely a wrench and a second count of producing an article, namely a hurley.

Cian Hayes, aged 33, of Ballyashea, Kildimo, has pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing a wrench. The offences occurred at Ballyashea, Kildimo, on September 29, 2021.

The siblings are the older brothers of five-time All-Ireland winning Limerick star hurler Kyle Hayes.

Last Wednesday, Judge Colin Daly adjourned matters to today to give his decision on applications by Daragh and Cian Hayes’s defence teams for probation reports, and a psychological report on behalf of Daragh Hayes.

Cian Hayes was represented by Lorcan Connolly SC, appearing with Amy Nix BL. 

In applying for a probation report, Mr Connolly said Cian Hayes will be 34 on his next birthday - December 9 - is married with a young family, has no previous convictions and is a qualified engineer employed by a multinational for the last seven years. 

Senior counsel said a Section 3 assault causing harm contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 carries with it a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Mr Connolly said the background to the case is that there was a friendship between Cian Hayes and the victim.

“The friendship unfortunately turned sour,” said Mr Connolly, who added that this is Cian Hayes’ first time offending and referred to his previous good character.

Judge Daly said probation reports identify issues in people’s lives that they need support with.

“Is there something in his life like addiction or mental health issues?” asked Judge Daly.

Mr Connolly said there is no history of addiction or mental health issues.

Judge Daly asked if Cian Hayes is likely to need the Probation Service to keep him out of trouble in future.

“No. I don’t expect so,” said Mr Connolly, who added that a probation report would outline matters to the judge.

Judge Daly said Mr Connolly would “eloquently” outline matters on behalf of his client.

Judge Daly said: “I don’t think it is an appropriate case for a probation report.”

READ MORE: Hayes brothers plead guilty to assault causing harm in Limerick and producing wrenches and hurley

Yvonne Quinn BL stood in on behalf of Daragh Hayes’ legal team of Brian McInerney SC and Kenneth Kerins BL.

Ms Quinn said there were applications for a probation report and psychological report to be prepared for Daragh Hayes.

She said Daragh Hayes is 37-years-old and is the father of three children aged 9, 5 and 8-months-old. Ms Quinn said the five year-old has serious medical issues and Daragh Hayes is heavily involved in her care.

The barrister spoke of “difficulties” that Daragh Hayes had at the time of the offences.

“These are ongoing. He is dealing with them,” said Ms Quinn, who added that the reports would aid the court and explain things better than she can.

Judge Daly asked if there was a likelihood of reoffending or community supports that Daragh Hayes’ needs.

“No,” said Ms Quinn.

Judge Day said he doesn’t think a probation report is necessary.

The judge said he would not extend legal aid for a psychological report but allowed time for Daragh Hayes and his legal team to have a private psychological report completed. 

Judge Daly adjourned matters to December 19 when Cian and Daragh Hayes are due to be sentenced.