Intruders leave Barry's grandad in coma
CALL: Keith Barry whose grandfather was assaulted
TV magician Keith Barry has demanded a Government response after his 82-year-old grandfather was put in a coma after a serious assault by intruders in his home.
Paddy Barry (82) was attacked in his kitchen when intruders kicked down his front and door and forced their way into his home in Waterford city.
Heartbroken Keith (32) said that his grandfather sustained such severe head injuries from the attack that he's been left in a coma, and his condition has been described as "critical".
"He's in a bad way, there's a 24 hour vigil at his bedside. He suffered a very serious head injury, and we don't know what the outcome will be.
"Even if he does come out of it, I can't imagine he would have any enjoyment left from his life. I want a response from the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern. Will he continue to talk or will he actually do something?
"The Government have been talking for years, but what have they done? Nothing. I know I'm upset and angry right now but the Government needs to stop talking and start doing something. I think there should be mandatory sentencing for people who break into someone else's home. There's no reason emergency legislation can't be brought in.
"He was a healthy 82-year-old man. He still had a good 10 to 15 years left in him. The Barrys are a healthy breed -- it's not as if he was feeble."
He spoke of his family's despair at the shocking attack.
"All I know is his home wasn't ransacked and the exact details of what happened aren't clear yet, but I do know his home has been cordoned off as part of a crime scene.
"My whole family are really shocked and upset that this could have happened," he said.
Gardai in Waterford arrested a man yesterday in connection with the attack and the suspect is still in police custody.
A Garda spokesperson said: "A man is still in custody in relation to the crime, and no further arrests have been made. He will continue to be detained under Section 4 until he is released or charged."
Local Labour councillor Pat Hayes, who is also a friend of Mr Barry expressed his disgust.
"People in the area will be shocked and absolutely horrified that this has happened. Whoever did this is a scumbag, a coward and a thug."
cmcbride@herald.ie
- Caitlin McBride
