DPP sends man forward for trial over Smithfield slash hook attack
The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial by judge and jury for a man accused of almost severing another man's arm off during Dublin's Smithfield horse fair in 2011.
Simon Quilligan, of no fixed abode, is facing a number of assault charges in relation to a violent brawl between Traveller families.
Thousands were enjoying the Smithfield horse show in March 2011 before gunfire resulted in them fleeing for their lives.
Garda units were dispatched to the scene as feuding Traveller families attacked each other with sticks, iron bars and other weapons.
31-year-old father of two Simon Quilligan left the country shortly afterwards but was brought back from the UK recently to face serious assault charges.
He is accused of almost hacking another man's arm off with a slash hook and causing serious head injuries to another man.
The DPP has decided to send him forward for trial and he is due back in court in October.
