Airline worker accused of biting wife 'like a dog' in 'barbaric' Dublin attack

Tom Tuite

An airline worker accused of biting his wife "like a dog" in an alleged barbaric attack at their Dublin home has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Samuel David Oteri, 43, formerly of Buckingham Street, Dublin 1, was charged with assault causing harm on March 15.

The Venezuela-born Italian national, who has yet to enter a plea, appeared before Judge Derek Cooney on Monday, when he was warned to comply with a list of terms.

Garda Mark Callinan opposed bail, citing potential witness interference.

He alleged that the injured party reported that she had been attacked by the accused, who had bitten her arm and "described him as being like a dog".

Photos of her injuries were furnished to the court, and the complainant gave evidence in support of the bail objection.

She told the court that she had been using her laptop for an online exam when the accused returned after he had been drinking. She claimed he was aggressive and wanted her phone charger, but she asked him to leave her alone so she could continue her exam.

The contested bail hearing was told that there was an argument. The woman was using her phone to remain online, and she claimed the accused threatened to take her phone and step out so she would not have data.

He was said to have demanded her phone charger, and the court heard that there was a struggle, and he ended up on her and bit her on the arm.

Defence solicitor Tony Collier submitted that the court should not deny bail, as his client had no prior convictions or bench warrant history, had ties to the country, having lived and worked there for 10 years, and would obey conditions.

Judge Cooney said the man had the presumption of innocence and bail, but he described the allegations as a "barbaric type of behaviour", and if true, it was "some form of savagery".

However, he accepted the defence's points and set cashless bail at €1,000, subject to a list of conditions. The judge warned him that he must furnish gardaí with an acceptable alternative address within 24 hours and not contact the woman, or bail would be revoked.

He was also told he must sign on daily at a garda station, stay away from the complainant and remain contactable by phone.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions must be obtained to determine if the case will remain in the District Court or be transferred to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

The case was adjourned for a week to monitor compliance with the terms imposed.