Man (29) facing trial for strangulation assault on woman in Dublin home

Tom Tuite

A Dublin man is to stand trial accused of strangling a woman during a non-fatal assault at his home.

Lee Quinn, 29, of Keeper Road, Dublin 12, was initially charged with criminal damage to a door, bed and window and a minor category assault of a named woman at his home address on June 3rd last.

He was remanded in custody the following day.

He appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday for developments in his case, which was upgraded with a more serious charge.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) authorised investigating officer, Garda Adam Deegan, to bring an additional charge under section 3A of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for strangulation of the woman, who did not have to attend the proceedings yesterday.

The Sundrive Road-based garda told Judge Cronin that the DPP has directed “trial on indictment” in the Circuit Court, and that the accused could be sent forward for sentencing on a signed plea should that arise.

Garda Deegan said Mr Quinn was cautioned and “made no reply” when the extra alleged offence was put to him yesterday, shortly before his court hearing.

Defence solicitor Katie Dowling said her client, who did not address the court, was not applying for bail. She also granted an order for disclosure of evidence for Mr Quinn to consider, if he wished to enter a guilty plea.

Judge Cronin remanded him in custody to appear again in one week, the longest period available, due to the new charge.

She said that was to let the accused consider his position, but noted that he may not have had an opportunity to do so by that stage.

Legal aid was granted to Mr Quinn, who will appear again via video link at his next hearing.