A Dublin Bus driver was struck on the back of the head with punches and a metal object during a “random and unprovoked” attack in broad daylight in the city centre, a court heard, reports Breaking News.
Ionut Christian Biraz (39), a Romanian national with no fixed address who arrived in Ireland three months ago, was charged with assault causing harm to the 63-year-old driver at Beresford Place and with producing a weapon during the incident at around 2pm on Tuesday.
He appeared before Judge Brennan at Dublin District Court on Wednesday and was denied bail, reports Breaking News.
Garda Katherine Ward cited the risk of flight, Mr Biraz’s lack of connections to Ireland, the severity of the case, and concerns for public safety.
She claimed that Mr Biraz wielded a metal object and attacked the driver without provocation or reason.
The Garda stated the driver had been walking home after his shift when he was “struck in the back of the head with a metal article, 12 inches in length, from behind”, reports Breaking News.
During the contested bail hearing, it was revealed that before the victim “registered what occurred, he punched him again to the back of his head from behind, which caused him to fall to the ground.”
The court was told there were multiple people on the street at the time, and the officer said it was fortunate that gardai were nearby.
Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions need to be obtained, and an additional charge may be added, the court heard. It will be recommended that the case be sent to the Circuit Court, which has the authority to impose longer sentences, reports Breaking News.
Garda Ward highlighted the level of violence and aggression used, adding that gardai had to use pepper spray to arrest Mr Biraz.
The garda explained the driver sustained swelling to his head and neck and experienced significant emotional distress, describing him as “quite shook up” afterwards. The weapon used in the attack has also been confiscated, reports Breaking News.
She agreed with defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght that Mr Biraz is presumed innocent and noted that English is not his first language. However, she said an interpreter was present during his interview.
In response to concerns that the accused might flee, Mr Lysaght argued his client had no means to do so after losing his job due to lacking a PPS number, reports Breaking News.
Judge Brennan did not accept the flight risk argument but refused bail on other grounds.
Mr Biraz, who followed the hearing with the assistance of an interpreter, was granted legal aid. The judge also ordered he receive medical care while in custody. He is due to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday, reports Breaking News.
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