Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 15943Assault · Co. Limerick · 7 Sep 2023

Assault case adjourned over missing medical reports, Limerick District Court

Luke Staunton was the alleged victim of an assault on 7 September 2023, and Stephen Leamy (49), of Deebert Court, Kilmallock, was before the Limerick District Court sitting in Kilmallock on a charge of assault. Reported on 28 September 2024, the inspector said there was great difficulty obtaining hospital medical reports, and the defence barrister had seen a photo of the injury but no medical report. Judge Patricia Harney adjourned the matter to 19 November for more information to be produced, and that adjournment is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Stephen Leamy (49), of Deebert Court, Kilmallock, was before the court on a charge of assault.
  • Luke Staunton is the alleged victim, who reportedly went to a Limerick hospital for treatment.
When
The alleged incident took place on 7 September 2023.
Where
The case was heard at the Limerick District Court sitting in Kilmallock.
Investigation
  • Inspector Gearoid Thompson (also given as Inspector Thomson) said there was great difficulty in getting medical reports from hospitals.
  • The inspector had no medical report on the alleged victim's treatment at that time.
Other details
  • The defence barrister was shown a photo of the injury but had not seen a medical report.
  • The judge said the injury appeared to involve more than 10 staples in the head.
In court
  • Judge Patricia Harney asked for general information about the alleged assault to decide whether it could be dealt with in the District Court or sent to a higher court.
  • The judge adjourned the matter to 19 November for more information to be produced.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe case was heard at the Limerick District Court sitting in Kilmallock. (limerickpost.ie)
  • whenThe alleged incident took place on 7 September 2023. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationThe inspector said there was great difficulty in getting medical reports from hospitals. (limerickpost.ie)
  • investigationThe inspector had no medical report on the alleged victim's treatment at that time. (limerickpost.ie)
  • chargeStephen Leamy was before the court on a charge of assault. (limerickpost.ie)
  • courtThe judge adjourned the matter to 19 November for more information to be produced. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe defence barrister was shown a photo of the injury but had not seen a medical report. (limerickpost.ie)
  • otherThe judge said the injury appeared to involve more than 10 staples in the head. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Sep2024
    In courtlimerickpost.ie, first report
    'Great difficulty' in getting medical reports for court prosecutions, Limerick judge hears

    Reports that gardaí and hospitals are having great difficulty obtaining medical reports for court prosecutions, using this assault case as the example. Adds the court appearance, the adjournment to 19 November, and the judge's comments on the head injury.

    accused, Stephen Leamy, 49, named, irish (judged from name)Stephen Leamyvictim, Luke Staunton, irish (judged from name)Luke Staunton