Two men charged with iron bar attack which left Cork man critical

Two men have been remanded in custody after they were charged with an iron bar attack on a 38-year-old man which has left him in a critical but stable condition in a Cork hospital.

Eddie Murphy (25) and Jamie O'Brien (19) were both charged with assault causing harm to Mark Lahive at Exchange Business Park, John F Connolly Road, Churchfield, Cork on April 28th.

Mr Lahive, a father of two who works in a confectionery business, remains in an induced coma at Cork University Hospital after undergoing surgery to reduce swelling to his brain.

Det Garda Gary Purtill gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Mr Murphy and he told Cork District Court that Mr Murphy made no reply when charged.

Det Garda Alan Johnson gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Mr O'Brien and he told the court that Mr O'Brien also made no reply to the charge.

Defence solicitors, Donal Daly for Mr Murphy and Diarmuid Kelleher for Mr Brien told Judge Con O'Leary that their clients were not applying for bail at this point in time.

Insp Gary McPolin said the matter was still under investigation and gardaí had not received DPP’s directions and he applied to have both men remanded in custody until May 7th.

Judge O’Leary remanded Mr Murphy from Kilmore Road, Knocknaheeny and Mr O’Brien from Meadow Hills, the Meadows, Hollyhill in custody to appear again on that date.

Mr Daly and Mr Kelleher said that their clients were unemployed and seeking free legal aid and Judge O’Leary granted free legal aid in respect of both accused men.