A MAN has been refused bail after being charged with “unprovoked” attacks on two off-duty gardai in Dublin’s Temple Bar, which left one of the officers in a critical condition in hospital.
Johnathan O’Neill, 32, of Cromcastle Road, Kilmore, Dublinwhere charged with assault causing injury to the two men in Eustace Street, Dublin 2, i early on Saturday.
He is also accused of robbing the more seriously injured man of his phone and wallet with his cards.
Judge Paula Murphy refused him bail when he appeared in Dublin District Court today.
Detective Constable Paul Carney said O’Neill was unresponsive after being charged in Pearse Street Guard station.
Objecting to bail, citing the seriousness of the case, he claimed that the two men had gone home at around 1.30am on Saturday when two men attacked them.
Both were knocked to the ground unconscious outside a pizzeria; one of them remains hospital in critical condition and has undergone surgery twice.
The other man, who has been discharged, reportedly suffered a concussion and cuts to his face and lip.
The court heard that Gardai carried out an extensive investigation and obtained CCTV which shows two men fleeing and staying in the area for two hours after the incident.
But the court heard there was no video evidence of the alleged assault.
Detective Superintendent Carney claimed that the accused had his face covered and was wearing the same runner committed in the above offences.
O’Neill was interviewed five times.
The judge heard that gardai claimed O’Neill took an “active role” in the robbery of the seriously injured man and also the assault of a joint venture.
He could face a more serious charge because of the injuries to him.
It was claimed that O’Neill punched and kicked the other man in the head, knocking him unconscious.
The detective chief said the accused had lived a transient lifestyle and had no fixed abode.
Cross-examined by defense barrister Jenny McGeever, he agreed the accused did not accept hitting the more seriously injured man.
A second man has been arrested but is in hospital and has not yet been questioned.
PRINCIPAL PARTICIPANTS
Ms McGeever told the chief detective that the second man was believed to have been the main participant.
He responded that gardai were keeping an open mind and added that the evidence suggested that O’Neill was involved in both abuses.
The court heard that the stolen mobile phone was recovered from the suspected accomplice.
Unemployed, Mr O’Neill, wearing a blue shirt and light gray tracksuit, did not address the court and has yet to enter a plea.
His lawyer said he was welcome at his home address, but he had been sleeping rough recently and would comply with bail conditions.
Legal aid was granted after he was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear in court again on Friday.
Gardai must obtain directions from the DPP.
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