Threat to petrol-bomb home, court told

The injured party, who is aged around 35, said she feared for her life and the lives of her two children.

Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said the matters referred to were only allegations and were denied.

Judge Marie Keane refused to grant Mr Rutherford bail. She remanded him in custody until

next Tuesday.

“I cannot ignore that the injured party has given evidence that she is in fear, particularly in fear for the lives of her two children,” Judge Keane said.

Mr Rutherford, aged 47, with an address at Chapel Gate, Ballyvolane, Cork, was remanded in custody

on the charge of assault causing harm.

Sgt O’Sullivan said the complainant in the case knew Mr Rutherford who allegedly walked up to her on Glen Avenue at 7.50pm on Monday, said something to her, punched her in the face knocking her to the ground, and continued punching and kicking her.

He also allegedly threatened to burn her house by petrol-bombing it and threatened to kill her children.

The injured party was taken to Mercy University Hospital for treatment.

She was present in court yesterday and told Judge Keane she was in fear for her life and for the lives of her children

.

Mr Buttimer submitted that the accused was only charged with assault and not with issuing threats or any other offence.

Mr Buttimer said the words allegedly uttered — which were denied by Mr Rutherford — were in the context of the alleged assault, and that there was no evidence of threatening her about giving evidence in a court case.

Insp Gamble said gardaí were particularly concerned about the fact the defendant knew and apparently targeted the complainant.

Man remanded in custody on charge of assault causing harm to mother of two