Dublin man appears in court accused of assaulting and injuring neighbour in knife attack

Philip Crowley (30) was granted bail on condition that he stays away from the alleged victim.

Mr Crowley, of Lein Park, Raheny, is charged with assault causing harm to the man at Lein Park on December 22.

At Dublin District Court today, a garda sergeant submitted evidence of the accused's arrest charge and caution by certificate. Garda Eoin Farrell objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the allegations and his belief the accused could interfere with a witness - the alleged victim.

A written outline of the objections was handed in to court.

Defence solicitor Tertius Van Eeden said the seriousness of the charge was accepted but it was only an allegation at this stage and the accused made no admissions.

The court heard it was alleged there had been a scuffle earlier between the accused and the alleged victim, after which they went to their separate houses.

The alleged victim later went back to Mr Crowley's house before the alleged assault happened.

Mr Van Eeden said it was impossible to say that the accused would interfere with the alleged victim if granted bail because it was the alleged victim who had approached the accused.

The garda said the man had only returned for a "verbal discourse," but it would have been better if both had remained in their houses.

Gda Farrell was not aware of any history or background between the parties, who were known to each other as neighbours.

Judge Paul Kelly granted bail, with conditions that Mr Crowley stays out of Lein Road, where the alleged victim lives.

He is to observe a curfew, remain sober in public and have no contact with the man.

The judge adjourned the case to a date in February, for the directions of the DPP and possible further charges. He also granted free legal aid.