LAST UPDATE | 20 Aug

THE 16-YEAR-OLD charged in relation to the stabbing of a Defence Forces chaplain in Galway last week has been remanded in custody until next month.

The teenager, who can’t be identified as he is a minor, appeared by video-link at Galway District Court this morning.

He is charged with assault causing harm to Fr Paul F Murphy at Renmore Barracks on 15 August.

The teenager did not speak during the five-minute court hearing this morning other than to confirm his identity.

Judge Gerard Furlong had been told at a special sitting of Galway District Court on Saturday afternoon that more serious charges may follow and that it is believed that ‘the accused holds a radical Islamist mindset’.

Sergeant Christy Browne told Judge Furlong at today’s hearing that the State application was for a further remand in custody to appear by video-link before Galway District Court on Monday, 2 September for DPP directions.

Defence solicitor Jack Donohue said he had no objection.

He told Judge Furlong that psychological services which the judge requested be made available to the teenager had not yet been provided.

Judge Furlong repeated his request that appropriate medical and psychological care be made available to the teenager who is in custody at Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus in Dublin.

Judge Furlong told the 16-year-old that any bail application at this point was a matter for the High Court.

The teenager’s parents were present in Galway District Court this morning for the brief hearing.

Saturday’s special sitting of Galway District Court was told by Detective Sergeant McNulty that Fr Murphy was not known to the accused and there was an ‘indiscriminate selection’ of the victim.

Det Sgt McNulty said that Fr Murphy was attacked when he rolled down the window of his car as he waited to enter Renmore Barracks.

He said that Fr Murphy suffered seven deep lacerations and a number of minor cuts in both arms from a large ‘hunting-style’ knife which was recovered at the scene.

He told Judge Furlong that Fr Murphy is recovering after surgery in hospital.