Man (30) remanded in custody after being charged in relation to a stabbing near UCC

A 30-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in relation to a stabbing near University College Cork which left another young man in hospital with a serious leg injury.

David Burke from Mount Carmel, Glasheen Road, Cork was charged with assault causing harm to Luke Hayes at Magazine Road, Cork on May 10^th, contrary to Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Mr Burke was also charged with possession of a knife on the same occasion and at the same location, contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 when he appeared at Cork District Court today

Garda David Cronin of Togher Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Burke made no reply to either charge when they were put to him after caution.

Det Garda Pat Connery of Togher Garda Station said that gardai were objecting to bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charges and their fear that Mr Burke would commit further offences if granted bail.

He said that there was also very strong evidence against Mr Burke, alleging that Mr Burke arranged, via Snapchat, to meet with Mr Hayes who was known to him and that a row broke out and that he stabbed him in the leg.

“There was a fight between the two of them and Mr Burke stabbed Luke Hayes in the leg, cutting an artery. An ambulance arrived and took him to hospital where he still remains,” he said.

“Gardaí went to Mr Burke’s house which is close to the scene of the assault and he was caught with blood-stained clothing and there was a blood-stained knife at his home,” he added.

Det Garda Connery also alleged that the incident had been captured on CCTV cameras, dash cams and mobile phones and Mr Burke was clearly identifiable on the footage which had been obtained by gardai.

He said Mr Burke was arrested and conveyed to the Bridewell Garda Station for question and in the course of interview, he said that he made “full and frank admissions” in relation to the attack.#

Explaining his fears if Mr Burke was not remanded in custody, Det Garda Connery said that “gardai are fearful that a similar incident could occur between the same two persons if the accused is granted bail.“

Mr Burke took the stand and told his solicitor, Frank Buttimer that he was willing to abide by whatever bail conditions were acceptable to gardai and that he would turn up for trial if granted bail.

However, Judge Olann Kelleher said it was a serious offence and after hearing an outline of the alleged facts, he did not believe it was an appropriate case for bail and he remanded Mr Burke in custody to appear again on May 18^th.