Attack in Cork city centre included attempt to stab woman in face, court hears 

A woman was held up against a wall during a violent attack in Cork city and it was only because she held up her hand to protect herself that she avoided being struck in the face with a broken bottle, a court has heard.

Sentencing of a 39-year-old man for attacking the woman was adjourned until October 30 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Robert Nachtygal, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with intent to cause bodily harm to a woman in her thirties in October, 2023, contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

Garda Kevin Roche charged Nachtygal with this offence.

Sergeant Dave Delea outlined the background to the case when it was first before Cork District Court.

He said it arose out of an alleged incident after 9.30pm on October 23, 2023, on Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

“It is alleged that Robert Nachtygal pinned a 35-year-old woman up against a wall on the street and punched her a number of times into the face and head, only stopping when another man intervened,” said Sgt Delea.

“The woman then walked away but returned almost immediately, at which point he caught her by the hair and dragged her over to a nearby car and he pinned her up against this.

“It is alleged that Robert Nachtygal then picked up a bottle neck of a broken Smirnoff vodka bottle and drew it up to her face in a very aggressive manner, trying to stab it at her face and neck, barely giving the woman enough time to get her right hand up to her face to protect herself, receiving cuts to her hand and wrist in doing so.

“She received a gash that was bleeding heavily.

“The entire incident was captured on CCTV.”

Sentencing was adjourned until October by Judge Helen Boyle and the accused was remanded in continuing custody.