Bail refused for weekend assault accused
A 27-year-old man has appeared before Cavan District Court charged with assault causing serious harm to another arising out of an incident at a house party held to watch the Conor McGregor UFC fight at the weekend.
Francis Hughes (27), with an address at 30 Sruith, Iuir, Oram, Castleblayney appeared before Judge Denis McLoughlin at a sitting of Cavan District Court earlier today.
He is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Graham Tobin at the above address in the early hours of last Sunday morning, October 7, contrary to Section 4 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act.
Mr Hughes was represented by Ken Connolly BL, instructed by Michelle Flanagan, solicitor.
Sergeant John Daly outlined that gardai were objecting to bail being granted to the defendant due to the seriousness of the offence before the court.
It was added that gardai were concerned the defendant may also pose a flight risk if released, noting the belief that Mr Hughes had spent two-days living outside of the jurisdiction prior to handing himself in at Monaghan Garda Station in relation to the offence.
The court heard separately that there is in existence a "live bench warrant" in place for Mr Hughes' arrest in Northern Ireland.
Sgt Daly also indicated that further serious charges may be forthcoming arising from Sunday's alleged assault, and he informed the court that the alleged injured party is currently in a critical condition at an Intensive Care Unit in Dublin.
Mr Hughes' father, who was also present for his son's appearance before the Cavan court sitting, said he was willing to provide a sum of €3,000 to secure the defendant's bail release. He stated too that he will willing to take in son into his home, and would ensure the defendant abided any all conditions handed down by the court if bail was granted.
Judge McLoughlin however, considering the offence and the defendant as a flight risk, remanded Mr Hughes in custody to Cloverhill to appear before a scheduled sitting of Cloverhill District Court next week, October 18.