Teenage boy remanded in custody in connection with stabbing of priest at Army barracks

A 16-year old boy has been remanded in custody after appearing before a special sitting of Galway District Juvenile Court on Saturday afternoon, in connection with the stabbing of a Defence Forces chaplain in the city on Thursday night.

The teenager, who cannot be identified as he is a minor, is charged with assault causing harm to Fr Paul F Murphy at Renmore Barracks.

Judge Gerard Furlong was told during a bail hearing that further, more serious charges may follow, and that it is believed that “the accused holds a radical Islamist mindset”.

Garda Conor Breen gave evidence of arresting the accused at 11.10pm on August 15th at Renmore Army Barracks and charging him at 11.31pm on August 16th. Garda Breen said the accused made no reply when charged.

Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty said Gardai were objecting to bail for a number of reasons.

Det Sgt McNulty said the accused is charged with an offence which carries a sentence of up to five years imprisonment on conviction. He said it is envisaged that further charges may follow when the matter is fully investigated, including assault causing serious harm or attempted murder, which both carry the possibility of life in prison.

“As a result of evidence seized during the course of this investigation, it is believed that the accused holds a radical Islamist mindset,” Det Sgt McNulty told the court. “An early analysis of devices attributed to the accused has revealed content of support to the Islamic State terrorist group.”

Det Sgt McNulty said that Fr Murphy was attacked when he rolled down the window of his car as he waited to enter Renmore Barracks. He said that Fr Murphy suffered seven deep lacerations and a number of minor cuts in both arms from a large “hunting-style” knife which was recovered at the scene. He told Judge Furlong that Fr Murphy is recovering after surgery in hospital.

He added that Fr Murphy was not known to the accused, and there was an “indiscriminate selection” of the victim.

Defence solicitor Jack Donohue of Gearoid Geraghty and Company Solicitors said the teenager’s parents, who were present in court, were willing to act as surety and support him. He said under the Children’s Act, detention should only be considered as a last resort. He said his client was willing to abide by any bail conditions, including staying away from Renmore Barracks and any witnesses, observe a curfew and not go on social media.

The accused spoke briefly to his solicitor during the 32-minute hearing but did not address the court.

Judge Furlong said he was refusing bail because of the seriousness of the case and the strength of the evidence.

He remanded the accused in custody to Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus in Dublin and to appear before Galway District Court next Tuesday, August 20th, by video-link.

Judge Furlong granted the accused free legal aid and certified for the assignment of counsel. He also directed that the accused have access to appropriate medical and psychological care on arrival at the detention centre.

There was a large Garda presence outside the courthouse and a small number of onlookers when the teenager arrived in a Garda van.