Cyclist knocked from bike and ‘kicked and punched’ on ground, court hears

A cyclist was kicked and punched to the ground during an alleged assault in Mullingar, a court has heard.

Rian O’Connor (24) with an address at 40 Ginnell Terrace, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at last week’s sitting of Mullingar District Court accused of assault causing harm to his alleged victim at Harbour Quay, Mullingar, on October 1 last year.

Sgt Orla Keenan told the court the injured party was on his bike at around 8.20pm when he was knocked over. She said the young man was allegedly kicked and punched on the ground by the accused, causing an injury to the left side of his forehead and a “painful” jaw.

The court was told the man attended his local GP, and the results of that examination were contained in a report that formed part of the state evidence.

Judge Vincent Deane, having heard details of the prosecution case, accepted jurisdiction.

Legal aid was granted to Mr O’Connor and he was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on October 1, when a plea or date of hearing is expected to be made.