Cork assault accused 'was acting in self-defence'
A Polish man in his 30s is in a serious condition at Cork University Hospital following an attack at the weekend and today a man accused of assaulting him claimed he was acting in self-defence.
Connie Horgan, (aged 28), who is living at St. Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, was arrested by Garda Killian Mohally and charged with two counts related to the incident.
Horgan appeared at Cork District Court accused of assault causing harm to Ariel Cegielka at Lower Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, on Saturday night, April 17.
He is also accused of producing a glass bottle in a manner likely to intimidate a person during a dispute at the same date and place.
Detective Sergeant Clodagh O’Sullivan objected to bail being granted to the accused on the basis of the seriousness of the assault charge and the fear that he might intimidate witnesses or not appear in court for the case against him if granted bail.
Judge Eamon Moloney rejected the bail application made by Horgan through his solicitor, Joseph Cuddigan, and remanded the accused in custody for a week.
Horgan gave evidence in his bail application and said, “As far as I am concerned it is self-defence.”
He told Inspector Bill Duane that he had no reason to abscond as he was living in Cork where he was on a methadone programme. He said he had a 13-year problem with drugs including a heroin addiction and had been clear of drugs while on the methadone programme for more than nine months.
During her evidence to the court, Det. Sgt. O’Sullivan said yesterday, “The victim is in a serious condition in Cork University Hospital. There is the likelihood of further serious charges.”
