Man Accused Of Assaulting Edenderry Man Paul 'Babs' Connolly Has Been Refused Bail

Thursday, 18 August 2022 17:10

By Caoimhe Harney

The 48 year old from Edenderry, was seriously injured on Church Street in the early hours of Saturday.

A man accused of attacking Paul "Babs" Connolly, who was knocked unconscious and died while on a stag night in Athlone, has been refused bail.

The 48 year old from Edenderry, was seriously injured on Church Street in the Co. Westmeath town in the early hours of Saturday.

Gardai have charged 35 year old Sean Munnelly, of Irishtown, Athlone and David Higgins, aged 18, of St Paul's Terrace, Athlone, with assault causing harm to the deceased, and engaging in violent disorder.

Directions from the DPP are being sought.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Craig objected to bail. He told the judge it was alleged Mr Munnelly assaulted Mr Connolly on Church Street.

The court heard victim had attempted to leave the street and return to his hotel, but Mr Munnelly allegedly followed and assaulted him.

The court was told Paul 'Babs' Connolly "did not have an opportunity to defend himself" before he went to the ground and never regained consciousness.

Gardaí have CCTV footage. However, a pathology report has not yet been completed.

The judge refused Sean Munnelly bail and remanded him in custody to appear again at at Mullingar District Court on September 1.

The co-defendant, David Higgins, appeared in court on Sunday and was remanded on continuing bail to appear at Athlone District Court on October 5 for directions from the DPP to be obtained.