Soldier to fight assault charge as judge refuses legal aid

A female soldier charged with an alleged violent attack on another woman in Mullingar over 12 months ago has indicated her intention to contest the case.

Rebecca Carney (27) Newpark Court, Kinnegad, Westmeath, entered a not guilty plea to the assault at Oliver Plunkett Street on September 29 last year.

A sitting of Mullingar District Court accepted jurisdiction at a sitting in October. Then, it was alleged gardaí were called to the scene during the early hours of the morning after reports a fight had broken out.

Sgt Orla Keenan said that on the arrival of gardaí, a woman was observed with noticeable injuries to her face. She said one was a “large lump” on the woman’s forehead.

The court heard the woman was later transferred to the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar for treatment and underwent a CT scan. She also underwent treatment for a hematoma and for abrasions to her eye and nose, before she was discharged.

A statement taken from the woman, which Sgt Keenan said will form part of the state case, will allege how she had sustained a punch to the face.

When the case returned before Judge Bernadette Owens, Ms Carney’s solicitor David Nohilly said all state evidence had been disclosed and a not guilty plea was tabled.

Judge Owens, noting the plea, advised Mr Nohilly the judge on the day of the hearing still held it within their remit to refuse jurisdiction and possibly send the case back to the DPP for consideration of a book of evidence.

Mr Nohilly said his client was aware of that prospect.

Sgt Orla Keenan indicated the hearing would take up to an hour in total.

Judge Owens put the case back for six months, giving liberty to re-mention it should an earlier date crop up in the meantime.

An application for legal aid was made on behalf of Ms Carney, Mr Nohilly saying his client was a member of the Defence Forces and had previously handed in a statement of means.

Judge Owens refused legal aid and remanded Ms Carney on bail to appear at Mullingar District Court on May 8, 2026.