Man charged with Cork assault remanded to appear in court again

A homeless man sleeping in a doorway in Cork city allegedly had a glass bottle smashed into his face in the early hours of the morning. The man charged with assault causing harm has been remanded in custody.

Michael Faulkner, 42, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court by video link from prison. He had no legal representation because of the free legal aid strike.

Sergeant David Fleming said the file in the case had not yet been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for directions.

The defendant asked Judge David Waters to strike the charge out because he had been in custody since May 5.

Judge Waters said he would not do that but added he would require an explanation from the prosecution on the progress of the case.

Michael Faulkner was remanded in custody until July 21 for that purpose.

Sergeant John Dineen said previously it was alleged that on April 24 at approximately 6.18am, on Lower Oliver Plunkett St, Cork city, Michael Faulkner approached a man who was asleep in a doorway.

It was alleged that Michael Faulkner produced a glass bottle and proceeded to smash the bottle off the man’s face while he was asleep and this was an unprovoked attack and the incident in its entirety was captured on CCTV and Michael Faulkner was clearly identified on the footage committing the offence.

Gardaí Marc Burke and Liam O’Brien received a report of the man being assaulted on Lower Oliver Plunkett St. They arrived at the scene and observed the injured party outside the gate of Cork Simon Community, with blood on his face. 

Gardaí observed he had lacerations on his left eye along with swelling and bruising. He was subsequently taken to Mercy University Hospital by ambulance.

Garda Michael McCarthy later arrested Michael Faulkner and charged him in relation to the alleged incident.