A Wicklow man in his 30s has pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of four children, in a brutal attack on June 3, 2016, BreakingNews.ie is reporting.
A court heard that the Stephen Harnett (37) of Kilpoole Upper, Blainroe, Wicklow attempted to strangle two of the children and left them when he thought they were dead.
Before he then moved on to the other two who fought back and escaped through a window.
One of the children was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
Upon being asked how he plead by Justice Michael White at the Central Criminal Court, he replied "guilty" and was remanded in custody.
Speaking on Mr Harnett's behalf, Patrick Gageby SC said his client has a history of depression which may diminish his responsibility for the offence, but is not at a level for him to be found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Justice White said he is "strongly of the view" that Mr Harnett should not be on bail and remanded him in custody.
