Athlone man charged with attempting to suffocate elderly woman

A man charged with the assault of an elderly woman in an Athlone nursing home has been further charged with attempting to suffocate his victim with a pillow.

Peter Keaney (54), of 7 Hillside Close, Monksland, Athlone, Co Roscommon, appeared on Wednesday morning before Athlone District Court.

Mr Keaney was previously charged with assault causing harm to a woman in her 80s after allegedly entering Sonas Nursing Home, Ballymahon Road, Athlone on Monday night, April 29.

The further charge was put to Mr Keaney on Wednesday by Detective Garda Kenneth Nearney.

Solicitor for the defence, Mr Mark Cooney, indicated that a bail application will be made next week.

Judge Bernadette Owens proceeded to remand Mr Keaney in custody to July 3.