Bench warrant issued after reports of man running down Cork city street with kitchen knife 

A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of a man who failed to show up at Cork District Court, in a case where gardaí investigated reports of a man running down the street carrying a black-handled kitchen knife.

There was an objection to bail being granted to the accused man when he was arrested and bail was refused at Cork District Court.

However, 21-year-old Mohamed Hanad of no fixed address appealed that refusal of bail to the High Court and he was granted bail there on condition that he would turn up in person at Cork District Court.

However, the accused made no appearance when his case was called in court. On the application of the prosecution, Judge Miriam Walsh issued a bench warrant for his arrest. He is charged with possession of a knife and production of the knife in the course of a dispute.

Sergeant John Dineen said previously it was alleged that another man was chased at Evergreen Street by a man wielding a knife.

When Mohamed Hanad was questioned by gardaí about the matter, he said: “They were trying to rob me. I didn’t have no knife on me. I was being attacked… I found the knife on the path.” 

Frank Buttimer, his solicitor, said the defendant was only in the country for three or four weeks and on this occasion on April 13 Mr Hanad was attacked by others just before he ended up being arrested himself.

“He said he was chasing one of the males who assaulted him,” Mr Buttimer said.