Attempted murder accused 'had assaulted somebody'
A Kilkenny man accused of attempting to murder a friend he thought had HIV, told his cousin he “had seriously assaulted somebody” on the morning of the alleged incident, the Central Criminal Court heard today.
Thomas O’Grady (aged 24), of Fatima Place, Kilkenny, denies attempting to murder Paul Barry (aged 34), of Ossory Park, Kilkenny, by inflicting head injuries and burns on him at Pennesfatherslot, Kilkenny, on 10 October 1999.
The burns sustained by Mr Barry in the early hours of the Sunday morning eventually required both of his legs to be amputated.
David O’Grady, the cousin of the accused, told the court that Mr O’Grady arrived in Thurles on the morning of 10 October, 1999.
He was concerned because he “had seriously assaulted somebody and didn’t know how bad he was,” the witness said.
“He said he was in a spot of bother, he had to get out of Kilkenny and that was it,” Mr O’Grady continued.
When questioned further by Mr Anthony Sammon SC, Mr David O’Grady told the court he had trouble remembering exactly what was discussed with his cousin that morning.
“I cannot remember the conversation at all,” he said.
Mr Barry was found by ambulance personnel in what is locally known as Danny Mac’s Field, where he had been drinking with Mr O’Grady the night before.
The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Mark Wall of Kilkenny Garda Station, who accompanied Mr Barry to the Accident and Emergency Department of St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.
“There were severe lacerations to his forehead on the right hand side and also on his head,” said Det Garda Wall.
Det Garda Wall described burns to Mr Barry’s head, neck, arms and hair.
He also said Mr Barry’s legs “appeared severely burned”.
“He wasn’t in a great capacity to converse. He mumbled and spoke roughly, but not in a coherent fashion,” Det Garda Wall said.
The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Henry Abbott and the jury of eight men and four women.
