Boys, aged 12 and 15, questioned over unprovoked attack on Limerick pensioner
Victim, aged 78, was out for an early evening stroll at the time
A 78-YEAR-OLD man was allegedly viciously assaulted by two young boys - aged 15 and 12 - while out for a walk on the Limerick Greenway, Limerick Live has learned.
The pensioner is said to have been punched and kicked on the ground in the unprovoked attack close to the entrance to the multi-million euro public amenity in Rathkeale.
It is understood the elderly victim, who has undergone a quadruple bypass in the past, suffered significant blood loss from cuts above his eyes and ear, and was left with severe bruising to his body as a result of the assault.
He was rushed to University Hospital Limerick by ambulance after he was tended to by paramedics, firefighters and gardai.
It is believed the alleged assault occurred after the pensioner advised a young female, who was in the company of the boys, to seek medical treatment after she fell. The two youths are understood to have taken umbrage, and then hit him in the jaw and kicked him on the ground.
A garda spokesperson confirmed they are investigating an assault that occurred in Rathkeale shortly after 6.30pm on Monday, August 12.
“A male in his 70s was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries,” said a garda spokesperson.
Two youths were subsequently interviewed by gardai in connection with the incident.
“A male youth has since been charged in relation to this incident and appeared before Limerick City District Court on Wednesday morning, August 21. As this matter is now before the courts, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to comment further at this time,” said the garda spokesperson.
The boys cannot be named due to their age.
Gardai objected to bail being granted for the 15-year-old at the vacation court sitting. The presiding judge refused a bail application and remanded the boy in detention at Oberstown Children's Detention Campus.
The 12-year-old has been referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme which aims to prevent young offenders and children involved in anti-social behaviour from committing further offences and entering into the adult criminal justice system.