LAST UPDATE | 23 Dec 2022

TWO LIMERICK BROTHERS, who Gardaí alleged are “a danger” to the wider community, were refused bail, after being charged with violent disorder, in which a man was left fighting for his life in hospital, following a violent ramming incident.

Michael Harty, (27), a father of three from Deel Manor, Askeaton, and Danny Harty Jr, (22), a father of one, from Geitne Close, Askeaton, were each charged with one count of “violent disorder”, contrary to Section 15 of the Public Order Act.

Gardaí alleged during separate bail hearings for both men at a special sitting of Limerick District Court, that Danny Harty Jr was “ejected” from the Dark Horse pub, Patrickswell, Co Limerick, last Wednesday night after he was involved in a dispute inside the bar.

Gardaí said Danny Harty Jr contacted his co-accused brother who, along with their father, Danny Harty Sr, and another male, arrived at the scene in a white Volkswagen Passat.

Detective Garda Fiona Reidy, Roxboro Road Garda Station, Limerick, gave evidence that a group of males exited the pub after Danny Harty Jr and that a “high speed car chase” ensued through the village involving the two accused and others.

Detective Reidy said Gardaí harvested CCTV camera footage which showed a white Volkswagen Passat allegedly carrying Michael and Danny Harty Jr, their father Danny Harty Sr and another male, being rammed from behind by a white Nissan Qashqai and a silver Nissan Qashqai.

Detective Reidy said “weapons were produced and a mass brawl ensued”.

In her objections to bail, Detective Reidy said that Gardaí believe that both Michael Harty and Danny Harty Jr are “a danger to the community at large”.

A number of vehicles have been seized by Gardaí as part of their ongoing investigation.

Solicitor, Tom Kiely, representing the accused brothers, said his client’s instructions were that they were “set upon” by a large group in Patrickswell on the night in question.

Detective Reidy agreed with Mr Kiely that Danny Harty Jr was not driving any vehicle, that he his brother Michael waited at the scene for Gardai to arrive, and that there was no suggestion by Gardai at this stage that either Michael or Danny Harty Jr were seen in possession of any implements or weapons.

Judge Alec Gabbett said he was “satisfied” to refuse bail for both accused men under Section 2 of the Bail Act in order to “prevent the commission of further serious offences”.

“I have to take into account the allegation by Gardaí that (they) are a danger to life,” said the judge.

Both accused were granted free legal aid and remanded in custody to appear via video link before a special sitting of Limerick District court for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on 29 December.

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