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A Romanian national is due in court on Friday charged with assaulting a Canadian tourist in Dublin City Centre over the weekend.
It is understood the tourist, aged in his forties, remains unresponsive in ICU at this time following the vicious attack at Cathal Brugha Street and O’Connell Street Upper.
Madalin Ghiuzan, with an address at Summerhill Parade, Dublin 1, was refused bail on Monday. The Romanian national, 23, appeared before Dublin District Court on Monday and listened to the proceedings, assisted by an interpreter.
He made no reply to the charges, with an application to bail denied due to the serious of the alleged charges, along with flight risk concerns.
Garda Sergeant Sean McCarthy told District Court President Judge Paul Kelly that at 12.40am on Sunday morning, the accused was at Cathal Brugha Street with friends when he was approached by the victim. The pair, who had not known each other beforehand, “engaged in conversation,” the court heard, with claims that Ghiuzan struck the victim several times, knocking him to the ground.
The tourist “struggled with getting himself onto his feet”, and made his way to near the Spire on O’Connell Street, roughly 400 metres away. He had another interaction with the accused and a group of men, the court heard. Sergeant McCarthy said that the accused “pushed and punched” the man to the ground. The Garda recalled how the tourist lost consciousness, which he has not regained, as he remains in eh Mater Hospital. He “is unresponsive” at present, the court heard, with his condition described as “serious at present.”
It is understood that the accused has been in Ireland for five years, and lives with a family member. Sergeant McCarthy further said that he does not pay rent or a mortgage, and has no significant ties to the State.
If the victim’s condition deteriorates further, it is anticipated that more serious charges will be brought. The current charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years.
The court further heard that CCTV had been examined, and that the accused claimed his actions were prompted by self defence.
Ghiuzan is due to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Friday.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses in the incident with investigations ongoing.
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