Accused of threatening to cut off victim's toes and fingers with shears

A Dublin man who allegedly abducted another man and threatened to cut off his toes and fingers with a pruning shears was refused bail at Ballyconnell District Court where he appeared in connection with the offence. Adam Doyle, Latnadronagh, Crosserlough, was charged with assaulting Patrick Joseph Gunn at Loonogs, Crosskeys, on November 28 last. Inspector Seamus Boyle told the court that the injured party was restrained with a dog leash around his neck and his hands were tied. The man was put into the back of a van and was driven around in it. At an unknown location the injured party was assaulted a number of times. The suspect took out prune shears and threatened to cut off the injured party's toes and fingers. The victim was eventually dropped back to his house. When the defendant was located he was found in possession of a machete. Following the incident the defendant left his address in Crosserlough and gardaí believe he went to live in Northern Ireland. "If granted bail we feel the defendant is a flight risk and more serious charges are being considered," added Insp Boyle. Sergeant Sharon Walsh informed the court that since the alleged incident she had been actively trying to locate the defendant so that she could effect his arrest. She eventually arrested him in Kilnaleck when he went to sign on for his social welfare. Cross-examined by Rita Martin, solicitor defending, Sergeant Walsh said the defendant originally came from Dublin and was living in Crosserlough for two years. He never came to garda notice until this incident. The defendant had one child aged eight with a former partner and they lived in Armagh. Sgt Walsh had been investigating the incident since November 30 on a daily basis. She had been out at his house in Crosserlough but had not been able to locate him. "I have also carried out surveillance at the social welfare office in Cavan." In evidence the defendant said he would turn up for trial if he was granted bail. With regard to his residence he wanted to move back to his father's house in Dublin. Judge Sean MacBride addressing the defendant said: "You skipped across the border to live with your former partner. You were only caught when you signed on for social welfare in Kilnaleck!" The defendant claimed he had been residing in Dublin and not the North. Replying to Inspector Boyle the defendant said the machete he had was ornamental and he sharpened it up. He was not sure if he had it with him on November 28. There was an allegation that someone was interfering with his son and he was angry over that. When Inspector Boyle put it to him if he would use it against the alleged person who was interfering with his son the defendant replied "in certain circumstances". Judge MacBride said he was refusing bail on the following grounds, the gravity and nature of the charge, the DPP was considering further serious charges arising out of the matter, the defendant was a clear flight risk and unlikely to turn up for trial. Based on the evidence of the investigating officer, Sgt Walsh, and the candid admission by the defendant that he would use a machete in certain circumstances in the commission of an offence, it was the view of the court that if granted bail the accused would commit more serious crimes while on bail. "I'm therefore refusing bail and I'm remanding him on bail to Harristown District Court."