Dublin garda stabbing accused remains in custody pending DPP directions

Tom Tuite

A 23-year-old man charged over the stabbing of a Garda on a Dublin street in July has been further remanded in custody for another two weeks pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Abdullah Khan, with an address in north Dublin, appeared at Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday for his third hearing since being charged and has not yet applied for bail.

Mr Khan, with an address in north Dublin that cannot be revealed due to a court order, was arrested at the scene following an incident at around 6pm on Capel Street in the city's north side on July 29th.

The accused, represented by solicitor Matthew de Courcy, appeared before Judge Alan Mitchell via video link.

The DPP's directions have yet to be conveyed. The State sought another four weeks for those directions, and the accused told the court he would consent to two weeks only.

Judge Mitchell adjourned it until September 17th.

The injured garda, a young probationary member of the force who was on high-visibility patrol with a colleague, received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

Mr Khan is charged with assault causing harm to the officer and the production of a Tactix knife capable of causing serious injury.

He has yet to indicate a plea to the charges, which are under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

At the first court appearance on July 31st, the defence secured reporting restrictions on the publication of Mr Khan's full address, due to "concerns around safety", which was confirmed by Detective Sergeant McLaughlin.

The detective sergeant had also said Mr Khan "made no reply" to each charge.

At that hearing, medical attention in custody was also ordered, and legal aid was granted.

The defence must give gardaí 24 hours' notice if the accused intends to make a bail application.