A DUNDALK man convicted of the manslaughter of his wife in Spain nearly 10 years ago has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a female press photographer.
The case against Dermot McArdle (41), from Brookfield, Marlbog Road, Dundalk, will be heard before a judge at Dundalk District Court on July 14th.
He was facing a second charge of theft of the photographer’s camera, but when the case was called yesterday morning, Garda Insp Leo McGinn said that the DPP had directed that this charge be struck out.
However, the allegation that on January 9th last at Haynestown, Dundalk, he assaulted Jenny Matthews – contrary to Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the State Act – is being proceeded with, the court heard.
The assault is alleged to have happened close to his home.
The court previously heard that when gardaí put the charges to him, McArdle replied, “no comment”.
His solicitor Frank McDonnell yesterday said that a date for hearing was required, to which Judge William Hamill asked whether the accused was pleading not guilty, and Mr McDonnell repled “Yes”. The judge was told there were five witnesses in the case, of whom three will be gardaí.
The judge remanded McArdle on continuing bail to July 14th next when the accused, gardaí and the photographer will give evidence.