Man accused of assault and violently coercing father (79) for money

Tom Tuite

A Dublin man accused of attacking his father and violently coercing him into carrying out financial transactions and handing over €25,000 has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Niall Murphy (39), who had an address at Carysfort, Downs, Blackrock, Co Dublin, was ordered to live at a new address when he was granted bail on Monday.

He appeared at Dublin District Court facing two charges under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act: assault causing harm and coercion of his 79-year-old father.

Detective Garda Shane Donovan objected to bail and told Judge Michael Ramsey that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment, meaning the case should go to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

The coercion charge alleges that between February 1st-July 25th, 2023, he wrongfully and without lawful authority used violence to intimidate the complainant into doing an act which he had a lawful right to abstain from doing.

Mr Murphy was also charged with assault causing harm to his father at their home on July 24th, 2023.

He was also accused of violent behaviour at Blackrock Garda Station on August 18th, 2024.

Detective Garda Donovan said the complainant was an elderly man in poor health and had been subjected to demands for money.

It was alleged that the father was compelled to go to his bank to apply for a loan but was refused. Detective Garda Donovan claimed that the pensioner had to carry out financial transactions and give €25,000 to the accused or “face whatever consequence Niall had for me”.

According to the detective, the assault happened after Mr Murphy allegedly became aggressive and knocked the complainant to the ground, and the father was in fear.

The officer said the elderly man was vulnerable and could be subject to threats and intimidation from his son to withdraw his statement.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Tracy Horan, Detective Garda Donovan accepted the accused had remained living with the complainant, and there had been no further allegations in the last 13 months.

Ms Horan questioned the officer about the delay of over a year in bringing the case if he was so concerned. In reply, Detective Garda Donovan said he had to await directions from the DPP, which had been out of his control.

Pressed further, he accepted that he could agree to bail with several conditions.

Judge Ramsey granted Mr Murphy €500 bail and ordered him to provide gardaí with a mobile phone number, reside at an address in Dublin 8, have no direct or indirect with the complainant or witnesses, and sign on three days a week at a Garda station.

Judge Ramsey adjourned the case pending the preparation of a book of evidence and ordered him to appear on September 23rd at Dun Laoghaire District Court. Mr Murphy has yet to indicate a plea but was granted legal aid.