Two unemployed Sligo men have appeared in court in connection with an assault on an American writer, Mr Robert Drake, in the town.
At a special sitting of Sligo District Court yesterday evening Mr Ian Monaghan (20), of Ashbrook, Pearse Road, and Mr Glen Mahon (21), of Banks Drive, Cranmore, were charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Drake on January 31st.
Mr Mahon was also charged with stealing a leather wallet belonging to Mr Drake, containing an American passport, assorted credit cards and £5 in cash.
Judge Oliver McGuinness released both men on bail of £1,000 each, with independent sureties of £10,000 each, and ordered them to appear again before Sligo District Court on March 18th.
The solicitor acting for the two men, Mr Edmond Henry, told the court that his clients had at all times co-operated with the gardai.
He added that they had gone to the police and made voluntary statements before being arrested.
Garda witnesses said that neither of the men had anything to say when they were charged.