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Limerick Man's 'Biting' Assault Allegations Spark Legal Battle in Court | Limerick Archives

Limerick Man’s ‘Biting’ Assault Allegations Spark Legal Battle in Court

In a courtroom drama unfolding today, the King’s Bench Division witnessed heated exchanges as allegations of assault took centre stage in the case of Webb v. Geary. Mr John Geary, a farmer from Charleville, Co. Cork, stands accused by Mr Patrick Walsh, a farmer from Drewscourt, Co. Limerick, in a case that has captured local attention.

The proceedings, presided over by Mr Justice Boyd and Mr Justice Maloney, saw Mr J. B. Burke, representing the defendant Mr Geary, make a compelling plea to remit the action for trial to the Recorder of Cork. Burke argued on behalf of his client, asserting that Geary had a valid defence and that any harm inflicted upon Walsh was in self-defence. He detailed an affidavit from Geary claiming that Walsh had struck him with a stick, knocked him down, and allegedly bitten his thumb, resulting in significant injury.

However, Mr Patrick Flynn, representing the plaintiff, vehemently opposed the application. Flynn presented a starkly different narrative, painting Walsh as the victim of a brutal assault. He cited medical records indicating severe injuries sustained by Walsh, including operations for blood poisoning and the loss of his thumb. Flynn underscored the emotional toll on Walsh’s large family, emphasizing the dire consequences of the alleged attack.

The crux of the matter lies in conflicting accounts of the incident. Walsh claims that Geary, riding a bicycle, collided with him before launching a violent assault, which included biting his thumb. Geary’s legal team contends that their client acted in self-defence, provoked by Walsh’s initial aggression.

Adding complexity to the case, it was revealed that Geary had previously faced trial at the Rathkeale Quarter Sessions for the same assault, resulting in a hung jury. With the spectre of impending legal proceedings looming, both sides are gearing up for a protracted legal battle.

The court, cognizant of the gravity of the allegations, adjourned the proceedings for a week to allow for the presentation of medical evidence. This pivotal decision underscores the need for a thorough examination of the extent of Walsh’s injuries, which will undoubtedly sway the outcome of the case.

As the legal wrangling continues, the residents of Limerick are watching closely, eager for justice to be served in a case that has gripped the community. The ultimate resolution of Webb v. Geary remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the ramifications of this alleged assault will reverberate far beyond the walls of the courtroom.

Dublin Evening Telegraph – Thursday 15 April 1915

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