Couple face court after mother’s critical attack

Brutal Attack on Limerick Woman: Teenager Accused of 11 Blows, Adult Faces Multiple Charges

A shocking weekend court sitting in Limerick has heard chilling details of a brutal assault on a 29-year-old woman, Scarlett Faulkner. Ms Faulkner, a member of the Traveller community from Longpavement, Limerick, was found with critical head injuries on the side of the R494 road near Birdhill, County Tipperary, on Saturday, March 21. The severity of her injuries has left her in a life-threatening condition.

At a special weekend court session, a 16-year-old girl appeared charged with one count of assault causing serious harm to Ms Faulkner. Investigators revealed to Limerick District Court that the teenager allegedly displayed a disturbing lack of remorse, even laughing when shown a photograph of Ms Faulkner’s severely injured state following the attack.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a 40-year-old woman also faced charges stemming from the alleged assault. Her charges include violent disorder, reckless endangerment, and burglary, indicating a broader and more complex scenario surrounding the incident. Judge Carol Anne Coolican ordered that the identities of both accused women be withheld.

The Build-Up to the Violent Encounter

Gardaí have pieced together a disturbing timeline leading up to the violent assault. It is alleged that before the attack on Ms Faulkner, the adult accused engaged in a burglary, smashing up a caravan. The teenage girl is reported to have videoed this incident.

Furthermore, evidence suggests the adult accused had been actively searching for Ms Faulkner for a full 24 hours prior to the attack. This prolonged pursuit culminated in a dangerous manoeuvre where the adult accused allegedly rammed the van Ms Faulkner and another man were travelling in, forcing it to a halt.

Evidence of the Assault

Dashcam footage from vehicles and CCTV recordings from security cameras provided crucial evidence. These recordings unequivocally showed the 16-year-old girl striking Ms Faulkner on the head no fewer than eleven times with what is believed to be an iron bar. The sheer number of blows underscores the ferocity of the attack.

Legal Proceedings and Custody

Both the teenage girl and the adult woman were remanded in custody. They are scheduled to appear before Tipperary District Court, sitting in Thurles, on Wednesday to face their charges. The court proceedings are expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this violent incident and the motivations behind the alleged actions. Ms Faulkner continues to fight for her life in hospital, with her condition remaining critical.