A MAN accused of knife and assault charges in Limerick last month has been further remanded in custody for the preparation of a psychiatric evaluation.
Chinonso Igboanusi (28), of no fixed abode, appeared before Limerick District Court today (March 5), charged with two counts of possession of a knife, in which he was allegedly observed exposing the knife in public places, and one count of assault on a female.
All the charges relate to three separate alleged incidents in Limerick City and the Corbally area on February 9.
Appearing by video link from Limerick Prison before Judge Patricia Harney, Mr Igboanusi did not address the court during the short hearing, except to confirm his name and that he could see and hear the court.
Solicitor for Mr Igboanusi Sarah Ryan applied to the court to have the case adjourned for three weeks so a psychiatric evaluation could be undertaken on the accused.
Prosecuting Gardaí expressed no issue with this, as a file had not yet been received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
At a bail hearing last month, Mr Igboanusi told the court that he “deserves a second chance” and that he’s “not a troublemaker”.
At that hearing, Garda Brian Kelly took the stand and gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution of Mr Igboanusi.
Garda Kelly stated that, on February 9, Mr Igboanusi was observed by members of the public in Colbert Station with a Swiss Army knife with the blade exposed.
The accused then allegedly made his way out of the city centre, kicking a girl in the back on Athlunkard Street before proceeding in the Corbally direction.
Later that same day, the Garda said, Mr Igboanusi was seen in the Corbally area wearing a black balaclava and in possession of an open Stanley knife while walking in the direction of Shannon Banks.
Mr Igboanusi was apprehended by Gardaí at a supermarket in Westbury Shopping Centre and made admissions to Gardaí of possessing the knives and a black ski mask, the court heard.
The accused told investigating Gardaí that he had the knives for his own protection and that, if given bail, he would purchase more knives.
Addressing Judge Carol Anne Coolican in February, Mr Igboanusi said: “I deserve a second chance. I’m not a troublemaker. I try my best. I mind my own business. I did something wrong, I own up to it”.
Today, bail was denied for Mr Ignoanusi and Judge Patricia Harney further remanded him in custody to appear again by video link later this month.
