BREAKING: Kildare feud accused is 'attacked in prison and hospitalised'

Allegation

One of the alleged participants in a feud in Carbury was hospitalised after being attacked in prison, it was claimed at a Naas District Court sitting.

Solicitor David Powderly told the court that John Mooney could not appear in court by videolink - unlike the other defendants - because he was one of three people who were allegedly assaulted in custody.

He said the defendant sustained broken ribs and a punctured lung as a consequence.

He said all three are on lockdown and are “at significant risk.”

Mr Powderly said they are not part of a feud “but victims of another group.”

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He handed in a medical note indicating the defendant was unfit to take part in the court hearing.

 Trevor Craven, 48, Trinity Crescent, Derinturn, faces an allegation  having petrol bombs under his control on September 2.

Jamie Fennessy, 21, Trinity Drive, Derrinturn, faces allegations of possessing a pitchfork on August 28 in Derrinturn and criminal damage.

Jack Kavanagh, 20, The Willows, Sallins,  Eamon Kelly, 23, Patrician Avenue, Naas and Aaron McManus, 20, Killina, Carbury, face an allegation of having 19 petrol bombs on September 2.

John Mooney, 50, whose address was given as 12 Ashbrook, Derrinturn  is being prosecuted for allegedly possessing a cleaver, measuring about 30 cms by 10cms, at Ashgrove, Derrinturn, on September 2.

Leighton Mooney, 43, Trinity Drive, Derrinturn, is facing an allegation of possessing a sledgehammer on August 28 in Derrinturn.

Sgt Mary Meade told the court that she does not have directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.Sgt Meade said a large file is being prepared as part of the case and significant progress has been made.

She said she expected the case would go to the DPP in about a week.

It is possible that High Court bail applications will be made on behalf of at least some of the defendants.

Solicitor Tim Kennelly said Jack Kavanagh is a young man who protests his innocence and he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He sought to have the case against his client struck out and said “he doesn’t believe he should be in custody.”

He pointed out that the state is not ready to proceed and because the case will not ultimately be heard in the district court the allegations could be brought again at a future date.

Mr Kennelly pointed out that on hand the prosecution opposed bail because of the strength and nature of the case and how it is saying it needs more time.

“They either have a strong case or they don’t," he said.

It was stated on behalf of  Eamon Kelly was not consenting to a further adjournment and sought to have the  matter struck out and that he  indicated he had absolutely nothing to do with the alleged incident. It was stated he was merely in a house socialising at the time.

A similar argument was made on behalf of Aaron McManus who it was stated was at no point involved and had never been in trouble. He has recently become a father.

Trevor Craven addressed the court and said he had nobody to mind his children who he loves.

”I’m the most harmless person out there,” he told the court, adding that he was prepared to die for his children.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said he could not strike out any of the cases because they relate to recent matters. He added that justice may not be done if the gardaí are not allowed to fully investigate the allegations.

The defendants were remanded in custody and the case was adjourned.