Man charged with assaulting four children in Wicklow

Stephen Harnett remanded to Clover Hill District Court next Thursday

Stephen Harnett leaving a specially-convened sitting at Bray courthouse on Saturday night. Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times

A man in his 30s appeared at a special sitting of Wicklow District Court sitting at Bray on Saturday night charged with four counts of assault causing harm to four children.

Gardaí and emergency services were called to a house in the Blainroe area on Friday evening. Four children were taken to hospital. They are believed to have been released from hospital on Saturday.

Stephen Harnett (35) of Kilpoole Upper, Blainroe, Wicklow wore a grey t-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms during the short court appearance.

Stephen Harnett arrives at a specially-convened sitting at Bray courthouse. Photograph: Dave Meehan
Stephen Harnett arriving at a specially-convened sitting at Bray courthouse on Saturday night. Photograph: Dave Meehan/The Irish Times

Solicitor Kieran Conway presented a statement of means to Judge Gerard Furling who granted legal aid.

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Superintendent Paul Hogan asked that the defendant be remanded in custody.

Mr Conway made no application for bail.

Garda Neil Doyle told the court that the defendant was charged at Wicklow Garda Station at 7.37pm on Saturday evening.

He made no reply to each charge after caution.

Judge Furlong remanded the matter to Clover Hill District Court on Thursday, June 9th.

He ordered a psychiatric evaluation as soon as possible.

He added that the defendant is to obtain all appropriate psychological and medical assistance upon arrival at his place of detention.