Man (30s) accused of stabbing motorist five times refused bail

Tom Tuite

A man accused of stabbing a motorist five times with a screwdriver in a carjacking in Dublin has been refused bail.

Brian O'Connor, aged 30, with an address at Gardiner Street, Dublin 1, was charged with assault causing harm, production of a weapon and motor theft offences in connection with the incident in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr O'Connor, who has yet to indicate a plea, was remanded in custody by Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Monday.

Garda Mark Callanan objected to bail due to the seriousness of the case and alleged that it involved a carjacking on August 30th at approximately 2:45 am.

He stated that gardaí received 99 calls stating that a male had been stabbed at Dorset Lane, Dublin.

The injured party has provided a statement of complaint outlining that "the males threatened to kill him if he didn't give them his car".

It was claimed that there was CCTV evidence with audio, and the accused could be heard saying to the motorist, "I'll stab you to bits", moments before stabbing the injured party five times and making threats to kill him.

"He is terrified and is unable to even lift his arms. He outlines how he is lucky to even be alive," Garda Callanan told the contested bail hearing.

It was alleged "suspects had driven off in the injured party's car with him inside, towards the general direction of Summerhill."

The court heard that several Garda units responded and located the vehicle on the North Circular Road.

The injured party was in his vehicle and had been stabbed.

Tw suspects had fled up Charles Street Great in the direction of Mountjoy Square.

Approximately three minutes after the stolen car had been found, gardaí from Mountjoy and Store Street stations located two men matching the description at the junction of Gardiner Street and Mountjoy Square.

It was alleged that Mr O'Connor was one of the pair and that he attempted to draw a screwdriver from his pocket.

The garda claimed Mr O'Connor was searched and found to have a screwdriver, an angle grinder, a hammer, gloves, and a torch.

The injured party was removed to the Mater Hospital by ambulance and treated for his injuries. Mr O'Connor was interviewed and made no admissions.

Cross-examined by defence counsel Sam Friel, instructed by solicitor Amanda Connolly, the garda agreed the accused had the presumption of innocence, made no admissions and had been planning to attend counselling.

The defence proposed releasing Mr O'Connor on bail with conditions, but the garda sustained his objection. The weapons offences carry a maximum seven-year sentence, while the assault and motor theft charges are punishable by prison terms of up to 10 years.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday.