An Independent member of Limerick City Council appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court yesterday on a charge of assaulting a woman.
Before the court was Alderman Michael Kelly, of Ballinagarde, Ballyneety, Co Limerick, who was charged with assaulting the woman causing her harm on August 26th, 2001, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act, 1997.
He was charged that on the same date he contravened a protection order made at Limerick District Court on August 24th, contrary to Section 17 (1) of the Domestic Violence Act, 1996.
Garda Tracey Corcoran, Roxboro station, said she arrested the defendant yesterday at the station. Mr Kelly, who was not represented in court, told Judge Leo Malone he had no knowledge of a protection order and it was only given to him in court.
He said he went to Roxboro Garda station of his own free will.
Insp Jim Browne asked that Mr Kelly be remanded in custody until August 29th.
Asking for bail, Mr Kelly said he was a member of Limerick City Council and "my whole life depends on this". He was remanded in custody until August 29th.