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18 Sept 2025
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18 Sept 2025
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The case was heard at Naas District Court earlier today.
A man has denied ever assaulting a County Kildare councillor on the Main Street of Newbridge last year.
Last year, it was heard that Michael Kane, with an address listed as 12 Dunbyrne Court, Whitewater Apartments in Newbridge, allegedly assaulted Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender just outside town’s garda station on April 4 last at around 3.15am.
On the latest date in Naas District Court, on Thursday, March 2, the 30-year-old’s solicitor, Tim Kennelly, said that his client was completely contesting the allegations against him.
Gardaí alleged that Mr Kane (also known locally as Michael Turner) kicked Cllr Pender in the head at least twice before some nearby gardaí came to his aid.
A photograph of Cllr Pender and his injuries was shown to Judge Desmond Zaidan.
Garda Sergeant Brian Jacob noted in a medical report before the court that Cllr Pender suffered 'an intercranial bleed' and a small nose fracture, allegedly as a result of the alleged assault.
Judge Zaidan also noted that Cllr Pender appeared to have swollen lips in the photograph, in which he appeared visibly injured.
However, Mr Kennelly said that his client 'wanted it on the record' that he was not the person who carried out the assault on Cllr Pender.
The suspected motive for the alleged assault was not disclosed at the latest court session.
Sgt Jacob said that this was because the State 'did not wish to prejudice any potential trial' which would arise in relation to the case against Mr Kane.
It was also heard that CCTV footage was gathered in relation to the case.
Judge Zaidan refused jurisdiction over the case, citing the 'very serious' nature of the allegations, and adjourned it to May 18 to allow time for a book of evidence to be presented.
He remanded Mr Kane on continuing bail until this date, and stressed that the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence in this case.
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