Teenager accused of Cork bus station stabbing given bail despite garda objections

The city centre stabbing of a teenager last week saw gardaí arresting a 17-year-old and charging him with assault causing harm and they objected to bail because of fears for the safety of the public and for the accused himself.

However, the youth was released on bail on conditions despite the objections from Detective Garda Bryan Murphy at Cork District Court today. 

Det Garda Murphy testified: “It is the state's case that (the accused) was part of a group of three young males who chased the 17-year-old injured party and his friend into Parnell Place bus station and proceeded to assault the injured party and his friend.

“The incident on November 2 is captured in its entirety on high quality CCTV footage and the accused, and his associates are clearly identifiable. 

“(The accused) is captured on footage concealing a knife under his top while walking into the bus station and stabbing the injured party multiple times, including into the head.

“The injured party subsequently fled the bus station and ran nearby to Dunnes Stores, Merchant's Quay, where he collapsed.

“The injured party suffered a significant injury to his abdomen where his intestines were protruding through his abdominal wall as a result of the stabbing. 

“The victim was removed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for serious stab wounds to the abdomen. 

“He remained in a critical condition at Cork University Hospital for a number of days.

“It is my belief that he is a danger to both himself and the public at large… I am satisfied that he will continue to commit further violent offences if given bail.” 

The teenager was represented by solicitor Eddie Burke and applied for bail saying he would keep any conditions if granted bail.

Judge Philip O’Leary said after hearing the objection to bail: “It is a very serious matter before the court. I don’t take it lightly at all. I am giving him bail on strict conditions."

Those conditions included a 9pm to 8am curfew to reside at home and have no contact directly or indirectly, including by social media, with the injured party.

He is to appear at the Children’s Court of Cork District Court on Friday, November 13.

A 15-year-old co-accused, represented by Stephen Cotter solicitor, and charged with the same offence of assault causing harm on November 2, was brought before Cork District Court also today and there was no objection to bail in his case. 

He was remanded to the same court on Friday on similar conditions.