A JUDGE refused applications by brothers Cian and Daragh Hayes, who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a man and producing a hurley and wrenches during the attack, to extend their legal aid to prepare pre-sentencing probation reports.
Last week, Daragh Hayes (37) and Cian Hayes (33), both with an address at Ballyashea, Kildimo, County Limerick, pleaded guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to, Ciaran Ryan, at Ballyashea, on September 29, 2021.
Daragh Hayes also admitted production of a hurley and a wrench during the course of the attack, while his younger brother Cian Hates admitted producing a wrench.
Barrister Yvonne Quinn, for Daragh Hayes, said her client was a father of three young children, one of whom had a number of “serious medical issues” and was “heavily reliant” on him.
Daragh Hayes’s barrister, senior counsel Brian McInerney, told the court previously that there was a “complex family dynamic” in respect of his client and that “a psychological report would be exceptionally beneficial to put before the court” prior to sentencing.
Refusing the application to extend Daragh Hayes’ legal aid for a probation and a psychological report, the judge said Mr Hayes could pay “privately” for a psychological report if he so wished one.
Barrister for Cian Hayes, senior counsel, Lorcan Connolly, said Cian Hayes was a father of one, who was working for the last seven years as a qualified engineer with a multinational company.
Mr Connolly said the background to the criminal charges involved a friendship that “turned sour” between his client and the victim, Ciaran Ryan.
“There is a level of remorse, he has entered a (guilty) plea, and I’m seeking a probation report which might assist the court in the manner of how it disposes of the matter,” Mr Connolly told the court.
He acknowledged there were no issues of addiction, lack of education, or mental health difficulties in Cian Hayes’ life, and nor was he likely to reoffend.
“He’s very sorry,” Mr Connolly said.
Judge Daly replied: “I’m sure you’ll be very well able to elegantly tell me about that.”
The judge said he was satisfied Cian Hayes did not require a probation report and refused the application.
The judge remanded both accused on continuing bail for sentence on December 19.
