Friendship with victim ‘sadly turned sour’ as Limerick court hears Hayes brothers case

TWO BROTHERS from Kildimo who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and making spanners and hurleys were back in the dock at Limerick District Court this Friday.

The court heard the friendship with the victim had “sadly turned sour”.

Daragh Hayes, 37, of Ballyashie, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, making an object, namely a spanner, and a second count of making an object, namely a hurley.

Sian Hayes, 33, of Ballyashie, Kildimo, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning harm and bringing a spanner. The offenses occurred in Ballashi, Kildimo on 29 September 2021.

The siblings are older brothers of five-time All-Ireland Limerick Basketball Championship winner Kyle Hayes.

Last Wednesday Judge Colin Daly adjourned the case until today to make his decision on applications by Daragh and Cian Hayes’ defense teams to provide probation reports as well as a psychological report on behalf of Daragh Hayes.

Sian Hayes was represented by Lorcan Connolly SC performing with Amy Nicks BL.

In applying for a probation report, Mr Connolly said Cian Hayes would be 34 years old on his next birthday – December 9th, is married with a young family, has no criminal record and is a qualified engineer employed by a multinational corporation over the past seven years.

Senior counsel said assault causing harm under Section 3 in contravention of the Non-Fatal Offenses Against the Person Act 1997 carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Mr Connolly said the background to the case was that there was a friendship between Cian Hayes and the victim.

“Unfortunately the friendship has turned sour,” Mr Connolly said, adding that this was the first time Sian Hayes had offended and citing his previous good character.

Judge Daly said probation reports highlight issues in people’s lives that they need support to address.

“Is there anything like addiction or mental health issues in his life?” Judge Daly asked.

Mr Connolly said he had no history of addiction or mental health problems.

Judge Daly asked whether Sian Hayes would need the Probation Service to keep him out of trouble in the future.

“No. I don’t expect that,” Mr. Connolly said, adding that the probation report would lay everything out to the judge.

Judge Daly said Mr Connolly would present the case “eloquently” on behalf of his client.

Judge Daly said: “I do not think this is an appropriate case for a probation report.”

Yvonne Quinn B.L. represented Dar Hayes’ legal team of Brian McInerney and Kenneth Kerins.

Ms Quinn said applications for a probation report and a psychological report had been submitted for Dara Hayes.

She said Daragh Hayes is 37 years old and the father of three children, ages 9, 5 and 8 months. Ms Quinn said the five-year-old girl had serious health problems and Daragh Hayes was actively involved in her care.

The lawyer described the “difficulties” Dara Hayes faced while committing the offences.

“They continue. He is dealing with them,” Ms. Quinn said, adding that the reports would help the court and explain the situation better than she could.

Judge Daly asked whether there was a likelihood of re-offending or the community support Dara Hayes needed.

“No,” Ms. Quinn said.

Judge Day said he did not believe a probation report was necessary.

A judge granted a request for a psychological report on Daragh Hayes, but did not grant legal aid for that report.

Judge Daly adjourned the case until December 19, when Sian and Dara Hayes are due to be sentenced.