6 days ago
Man accused of stabbing on Eden Quay a 'serious risk to public safety', court hears
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A 31-YEAR-OLD MAN accused of a severe knife 'slashing' attack in Dublin city centre on Monday, leaving an Algerian national in critical condition, 'poses a serious risk to public safety,' a court heard today.
Adel Attal, also from Algeria but living in Ireland for two years and with an address on Henry Street, Mallow, Co Cork, was refused bail by Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court.
He was charged with assault causing harm to the injured man at Rosie Hackett Bridge, Eden Quay, Dublin 1, and the production of a knife as a weapon during the incident on Monday afternoon.
In evidence, Detective Garda Tom McEvoy of Store Street station said the accused gave no reply to the charges.
The detective objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the case and his 'firm belief' that Mr Attal was a flight risk.
The court heard that he has been living in State accommodation in Mallow.
Detective Garda McEvoy told the court he thought the accused would evade justice if bail were granted as he had no ties to Ireland and previously resided in Algeria, England, Spain and France.
The detective believed the accused had ties and could be 'harboured in these jurisdictions' if released on bail.
Detective Garda McEvoy alleged that the injured man suffered serious slashing stab wounds to his stomach, back and legs.
The court heard he had life-threatening injuries necessitating emergency surgery in hospital, where he was in critical condition.
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Detective Garda McEvoy alleged that the incident happened at 4.40 pm when the victim and another male had an altercation on the bridge.
Detective Garda McEvoy alleged that the accused was carrying a large knife and 'inflicted several slashing and stab motions' before the man fell to the ground.
Witnesses called 999 and alerted gardai that the accused went to Wicklow Street, the contested bail hearing was told.
The judge also heard gardai had harvested a large quantity of CCTV evidence clearly depicting the victim cut with the knife and the slashing.
The court heard the weapon was thrown into the River Liffey, but a Garda sub-aqua unit located it on the river bed, and it will be sent for testing.
'Blood splatter' evidence was recovered from the accused and has been sent for forensic analysis.
Mr Attal, who has yet to indicate a plea, did not address the court and listened to the proceedings with the aid of an Arabic interpreter.
Questioned by defence solicitor Luke Staines, the detective accepted the accused could face two years on remand until his trial. He also agreed with Mr Staines that the injured man's condition had been changed to 'stable critical', and the solicitor posited that there was a chance he would survive.
Mr Staines submitted that his client did not have a history of committing serious offences, as he pleaded with the judge to consider bail with strict conditions, including a cash lodgement and an independent surety.
However, Judge Finan held that he was a flight risk, refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on June 11. She agreed to direct him to receive a medical and psychiatric assessment in custody.
Legal aid was granted. A second man was arrested today and held for questioning.
