Man, 18, denied bail over alleged hatchet attack in Blanchardstown

Juares Kumbu of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin has been charged with four offences in connection with an alleged incident last weekend

By: irishmirror.ie

Sep 07 2024
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Man, 18, denied bail over alle

An 18-year-old youth has been refused bail after appearing in court charged with a hatchet attack on a man who suffered a severe head injury at his home in Dublin.

Juares Kumbu of Brookhaven Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin was arrested in the early hours of Saturday and charged with four offences in connection with an alleged incident at a residential address on September 1 at Sheephill Avenue, Corduff, Dublin 15.

The youth is accused of a Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act charge for assault causing harm to a 21-year-old man, who was injured but has since been released from hospital. On conviction, it can carry a maximum 10-year sentence.

It is also alleged that while committing assault causing harm, in the course of a dispute, he produced in a manner likely to unlawfully intimidate a hatchet capable of inflicting serious injury. This offence is under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

The two remaining charges from the alleged incident are trespassing at the house in a manner likely to cause fear in another, and criminal damage to a kitchen window at the property.

The youth appeared before Judge Anthony Halpin at Dublin District Court on Saturday. Represented by solicitor Simon Fleming, the defendant has not indicated a plea and applied for bail but faced strenuous objections.

Garda Stewart Gleeson said the accused "made no reply" when charged.

Directions still need to be obtained to establish whether the case would be heard at the District Court level or go forward to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

The garda opposed the defendant's application to be released due to the seriousness of the case and witness interference concerns.

It was alleged the accused arrived at the house and assaulted the man "by hitting him over the head with a weapon described as a hatchet".

Mr Fleming submitted that strict bail conditions could address the officer's concerns, and his client, who had the presumption of innocence, would agree to any terms deemed appropriate by the court.

However, Judge Halpin refused the application and remanded Mr Kumbu in custody to appear via video link at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday morning.

Legal aid was granted to the accused, who did not give evidence during the hearing.

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