Courts

Boy (16) charged in relation to stabbing Defence Forces chaplain remanded in custody until next month

Earlier court hearing heard accused holds a ‘radical Islamist mindset’

Fr Murphy was not known to the victim. Photograph: Facebook
Fr Murphy was not known to the victim. Photograph: Facebook
John Fallon
Tue Aug 20 2024 - 12:15

A 16-year-old boy 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 cannot be identified as he is a minor, appeared by video-link at Galway District Court on Tuesday morning.

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

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

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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 “the accused holds a radical Islamist mindset”.

Sgt Christy Browne told Judge Furlong at Tuesday’s hearing that the State application was for a further remand in custody to appear by video-link before Galway District Court on Monday, September 2nd 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 also said any bail application at this point was a matter for the High Court.

The teenager’s parents were present for the brief hearing.

Saturday’s special sitting of Galway District Court was told by Det Sgt Paul McNulty that Fr Murphy was not known to the accused and there was an “indiscriminate selection” of the victim.

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