Man in court after hitting woman with axe shaft
The man charged at the woman, who was unknown to him, and caused injury. He was before Letterkenny District Court this week
A Letterkenny man was 'raving out of control' when he charged at a woman and hit her with a shaft of an axe.
James Devanney was before Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incident.
Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that Devanney left his home while holding the axe shaft. Devanney charged at the female and struck her on the chest, causing her injury.
The injured party was not known to Devanney, a 54-year-old of Glencar Road, Letterkenny, the court heard. The woman subsequently began recording the incident on her mobile phone and Devanney was said to have been 'shouting and roaring'.
Gardai arrived on the scene and Devanney, who has a previous conviction for assault, made admissions.
Solicitor for Devanney, Mr Frank Dorrian, said his client's behaviour was 'irrational and inexplicable'.
“The person was a stranger and the language he was using was bizarre,” Mr Dorrian said.
“A difficulty arose around prescribed medication, he took three anti-depressants where he should have one and added to that there was alcohol.
“He came from his own home to a public footpath, confronting people who were doing nothing wrong and were oblivious to what was happening.”
Mr Dorrian said that a friend of Devanney's left his house and was also struck with the implement.
“He was effectively raving out of control,” Mr Dorrian said. “He has never had an episode like this and he assures me that it won't happen again. He is very apologetic.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said this was 'an extremely frightening experience for all of those involved'.
Judge Cunningham directed that a Probation and Welfare report, to include suitability for community service, be prepared.
Devanney was remanded on bail to appear again before the October 16 sitting of Letterkenny District Court.