Homeless victim of alleged 'glassing' attack is not engaging with gardaí

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 but now it has emerged that the injured party is not engaging with the garda investigation.

Michael Faulkner, 42, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court by video link from prison where he has been since May 5 on the assault causing harm charge.

Sergeant David Fleming said the file in the case had not yet been sent to the DPP for directions in the case where the injured party was not engaging with garda enquiries. 

Mr Faulkner is charged with assault causing harm to the sleeping man, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Judge Waters said he would require an explanation from the prosecution on the progress of the case if there were no DPP directions on the next occasion.

Michael Faulkner was remanded in custody until July 31 for that purpose.

Asleep in a doorway

Sergeant John Dineen said previously it was alleged that on April 24 at approximately 6.18am, on Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, Michael Faulkner approached a man who was 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 that this was an unprovoked attack. 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 Street. 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 in him in relation to the alleged incident.