Man charged with assaulting tourist in Dublin refused bail

Updated / Monday, 24 Jun 2024 17:29

A 23-year-old man charged with attacking a Canadian tourist in central Dublin yesterday has been refused bail.

Madalin Ghiuzan, with an address at Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, is accused of two counts of assault causing harm to the tourist, believed to be in his 40s, at Cathal Brugha Street and O’Connell Street Upper in the early hours of 23 June.

Mr Ghiuzan, originally from Romania, appeared at Dublin District Court today.

Garda Sergeant Sean McCarthy told District Court President Judge Paul Kelly that the accused made no reply to the charges.

He said Mr Ghiuzan has no other charges before the court, but the objection to bail was due to the seriousness of the alleged offences and flight risk concerns.

Mr McCarthy said that at 12.40am, the accused was at Cathal Brugha Street with friends when the injured party approached him.

The court heard they had no prior contact, and they “engaged in a conversation” before two alleged assaults took place.

Judge Kelly heard that the injured party never regained consciousness and was brought to the Mater Hospital.

The garda sergeant agreed the accused had been in Ireland for five years and lived with a family member.

He told the court that Mr Ghiuzan did not pay rent or a mortgage and did not have real ties to the State.

He described the injured party’s condition as “serious at present” and should it deteriorate, it was envisaged that more serious charges would be brought.

Judge Kelly refused bail and Mr Ghiuzan was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.

Meanwhile, a man in his 30s was arrested this afternoon in relation to the assault – the third arrest made as part of this investigation.

The injured man remains in hospital in a serious condition and gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses.