Canadian assault accused awaits decision on going home
The High Court has yet to decide if a Canadian student can return home pending his trial for attacking a French doctor in Dublin's Temple Bar, a judge heard today.
Simon Mercier (aged 23), who studies in Quebec, is accused of assault causing harm to 26-year-old French doctor Guillaume Osterstock in Temple Bar in the early hours of August 14 last.
Mr Osterstock sustained a serious head injury and after the alleged incident was treated at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, where he had worked as a locum doctor.
Mr Mercier had been granted bail on August 17 on condition he signed on twice a day at a garda station and resided at an address given to the court.
The court had heard at that bail hearing that Mr Mercier claimed it was a case of self defence.
Mr Mercier made his sixth court appearance today at Dublin District Court, where his solicitor Peter Connolly asked for a further remand.
He explained that there has been an application to the High Court to vary his client's bail terms.
He said his client is “trying to get back to Canada on bail”.
Mr Connolly asked for the District Court proceedings to be adjourned until September 29 next.
Judge Cormac Dunne agreed to remand Mr Mercier to appear again on that date and he also a consented to an application to reduce his signing on condition to once daily.
