By Joe Leogue

A 32-year-old man has appeared in court following an investigation into an incident that saw six horses and two dogs shot dead in Co Cork over the weekend.

Tom O’Connor, aged 32, with an address at Ballyduane East, Newmarket, Co Cork this morning appeared in Mallow District Court charged with a single firearms offence alleged to have taken place last Saturday, September 9, at Barnacurra, Newmarket.

Mr O’Connor was charged with possession of a .232 Tikka bolt action rifle with intent to commit criminal damage to a colt foal that was the property of Denis McCarthy.

The foal was born out of ‘Take Me To The Island’ in May 2017.

Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Detective Sergeant Hugh Twomey of Mallow Garda Station.

He said that when cautioned Mr O’Connor replied: “Will they give me help when I go to court?”

Defence solicitor Charlie O’Connor said there was no application for bail, but that he was seeking a psychiatric evaluation of his client. He also applied for legal aid, and said his client had no savings to pay for his defence.

Inspector Tony O'Sullivan said the case was to be tried on indictment before a jury at circuit court.

Mr O’Connor, who appeared in court in jeans and a Munster rugby jacket and had visible head injuries, spoke only to confirm his name.

Judge Brian Sheridan remanded Mr O’Connor in custody to appear again in Mallow District Court next Tuesday, September 19. He ordered that Mr O’Connor receive medical and psychiatric treatment and assessment to determine his fitness to enter a plea on the charge.

The shootings last weekend sparked a major search by gardaí to find the gunman.