Limerick dad sustained brain injury after head was 'bashed' off kerb

A FATHER suffered a brain injury after a teenage girl punched and “bashed” his head against a kerb while holding his hair, Limerick Circuit Court has heard.

Blood from the victim, Alan McCarthy, aged in his early 30s, was found on the jeans of Courtney Murphy, aged 20, of New Road, Thomondgate.

She pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Westfields, off the Condell Road, Limerick city on September 17, 2021. A co-accused - Darnel Price, aged 23, of Kileely Road, Thomondgate - pleaded guilty to violent disorder on the same date.

Prosecuting barrister, John O'Sullivan, instructed by state solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Áine McWilliams.

Mr O’Sullivan said a number of young people were at Westfields where “a considerable amount of drink and possibly other intoxicants consumed”.

The barrister read out the statement of an eyewitness who said Ms Murphy got on top of Mr McCarthy who had been knocked to the ground.

“She punched him in the head and banged his head against the kerb while holding his hair,” read out Mr O’Sullivan.

A different witness said Mr Price hit McCarthy with an open hand which knocked him to the ground - prior to Ms Courtney assaulting him.

The barrister said the motive is “less clear”. “It is alleged Mr McCarthy caught Ms Murphy by the throat earlier that evening more than an hour,” said Mr O’Sullivan, who added that Ms Murphy’s actions were not justified by self defence.

In summing up the evidence, Mr O’Sullivan said Mr McCarthy was “violently assaulted” with his head “bashed against the ground”.

Gardai were credited with saving Mr McCarthy’s life as they took him to UHL after they encountered him.

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The court heard medical personnel didn’t realise the extent of the injuries suffered by Mr McCarthy, who was highly intoxicated, until the following morning.

Mr O’Sullivan said he was “unresponsive to all stimuli”.

A CT scan revealed a “significant bleed to the left side of the brain”. Mr McCarthy was placed on a ventilator and conveyed to Cork University Hospital where he underwent emergency neurosurgery.

The prosecuting barrister said the victim spent time in ICU before being transferred back to UHL.

Mr McCarthy also received care in Nenagh Hospital, the acquired brain injury unit in Tullamore Hospital and the National Rehabilitation Hospital.

“He has cognitive / memory issues and significant weakness on the left side of his body,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

In a victim impact statement, Mr McCarthy said he “gets flashbacks” and “feels totally helpless for my kids” as he can’t do activities with them. His father, Pat McCarthy, said his son is “doing a life sentence” due to his injuries.

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Eimear Carey BL, representing Ms Murphy, said there was “no sugar coating” what occurred.

“It was a very serious assault which resulted in very serious injuries. There was consumption of alcohol across the board.

There was an altercation between her and Mr McCarthy where he grabbed her neck.

“She has shown genuine remorse. She got physically sick when she heard his injuries. When he arrived at hospital there was no immediate indication of a brain injury,” said Ms Carey.

The barrister said her client is an orphan having lost her father and a mother.

“She had a traumatic and broken childhood. She was only 18 at the time (of the assault). She surrendered her bail on February 14 and is addressing her alcohol issues and substance abuse. She has no previous convictions. It is out of character,” said Ms Carey.

Erin O’Hagan BL, for Mr Price, said it is “no secret” he has racked up a lot of previous convictions (82).

“The alcohol was flowing at a ferocious level. He became involved rather than seeking trouble,” said Ms O’Hagan.

Judge Tom O’Donnell adjourned sentencing Ms Murphy to this Friday.