A 44-year-old Englishman with an address in west Cork appeared at a special sitting of Listowel District Court yesterday in Co Kerry charged with assaulting his partner causing her harm. Mr Ian Bailey, The Prairy, Lissacaha, Schull, Co Cork, was charged with assaulting Catherine Jules Thomas, causing her harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
He appeared in court on crutches with his left leg in plaster.
The assault was alleged to have taken place on August 18th at The Prairy, Lissacaha. Judge Terence Finn remanded Mr Bailey in custody until a hearing in Clonakilty, Co Cork, today. Supt Frank O'Brien told the court Mr Bailey was charged with "a very serious offence". Gardai believed Mr Bailey was about to abscond from the State when he was arrested.
The accused would not remain to stand trial if released on bail, Supt O'Brien told the court.
Mr Bailey had purchased a one-way ticket and was carrying two "substantial" suitcases when arrested at Cork Airport on Wednesday evening.
He had no property or any legal interest in the house where the assault allegedly took place and he had left that address since the incident happened, the court heard.
Mr Bailey had been in a long-term relationship with the injured party, Supt O'Brien said.
"He was not going on a short-term holiday by virtue of the fact he had substantial luggage," he told Judge Terence Finn.
Garda Kevin Kelleher gave evidence of arresting Mr Bailey at Cork airport and of bringing him to Bandon Garda station.
Mr Bailey made no reply when charged and cautioned, Garda Kelleher said.
Mr Bailey's solicitor, Mr Pat Enright, agreed to the adjournment to Clonakilty, where his client would be represented by his own solicitor, Mr Con Murphy. Mr Bailey was not applying for bail yesterday but in all probability would do so at today's hearing, Mr Enright said.
Judge Terence Finn remanded Mr Bailey in custody to appear in court today.