Scarlett Faulkner’s ex-partner refused compassionate bail to attend funeral

Refusing the application, Judge Patricia Harney said she was considering the 'the protection of the public at large'

Published 16th Apr 2026, 10:10 BST Updated 16th Apr 2026, 14:55 BST Peter O’Loughlin spoke out of turn during the court proceedings, and alleged that he was pepper sprayed by a garda while handcuffed Refusing the application, Judge Patricia Harney said she was considering the 'the protection of the public at large' Sign up to our Limerick Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Limerick Live within your account.

A MAN who fathered a child with Scarlett Faulkner has been refused compassionate bail to attend the Limerick woman's funeral.

Scarlett Faulkner, aged 29, from the northside ofLimerickcity, was allegedly struck with an iron bar at the side of the R494 road in Birdhill on Saturday, March 21. Her funeral will take place this Friday.

Solicitor Pauric Nesbitt, representing Patrick McCarthy Casey, told Judge Patricia Harney that “a child has been left without a mother”.

Mr Nesbitt appealed for his client to be allowed to “attend the funeral and say goodbye”, highlighting the “tragic and exceptional circumstances,” of the case that is before the courts.

READ MORE: Family of Scarlett Faulkner release balloons in poignant tribute ahead of funeral in Limerick

Giving evidence to support his bail application, Mr McCarthy Casey told Limerick District Court that he wished for a temporary release from custody to “comfort” his child.

The 33-year-old, who has an address at Caisleán Na hAbhann, Castletroy, Limerick is currently before the courts facing unrelated charges.

He was previously denied bail under O’Callaghan’s rules, which states that a court may refuse a bail application if such a refusal is reasonably considered necessary to prevent the commission of a serious offence by that person.

Garda Cathal MacGerailt told the court that Mr McCarthy Casey is alleged to have thrown a knife at a vehicle at Lough Quay filling station on January 12, 2026. Garda MacGerailt further put forward that Mr Casey is alleged to have held a knife to a woman’s throat, and allegedly took her handbag.

The garda said he believes that Mr McCarthy Casey can be clearly identified on CCTV on the basis of his clothing.

Garda MacGerailt further stated that Mr McCarthy Casey “denied any involvement despite the substantial evidence shown to him”.

Mr Nesbitt said Mr McCarthy Casey has “denied any involvement in this matter since the beginning”, and that he has remained drug and alcohol free while in custody.

Judge Patricia Harney considered the alleged “grave and serious offences, in particular violence towards a woman alleged”, and said that the overriding consideration is that Mr Casey turn up in court.

The judge said that Mr McCarthy Casey was “previously refused bail by me and a High Court justice”.

The judge further stated: “I have great extended sympathy for the family of Scarlett Faulkner,” but considering the “the protection of the public at large, I refuse Mr McCarthy bail”.

Patrick McCarthy Casey is an ex-partner of the deceased Ms Faulkner. He has been in custody since January. The court heard that Mr McCarthy Casey has not seen Ms Faulkner since December.

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