Madalin Ghiuzan, 23, has been charged in relation to a serious assault in Dublin City Center in the early hours of Sunday, June 23 that has left a man, reportedly a tourist from Canada, hospitalized.
Gardaí said on Sunday that they were investigating an assault that occurred on O’Connell Street and Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1 early that morning.
“At approximately 1:00 am this morning, Gardaí on patrol in the city centre were alerted to two incidents involving a number of individuals on Cathal Brugha Street and O’Connell Street Upper and attended,” Gardaí said on Sunday.
“Upon arrival, two suspects were identified and arrested near the scene.
“A man, aged in his 40s, has been taken to the Mater Hospital to be treated for serious injuries sustained in this incident.
“No other injuries have been reported.
“The two arrested men, aged in their 20s and 30s, are currently detained at a Garda Station in Dublin City Centre.”
In an update on Monday morning, Gardaí said that the man in his 20s had been charged and was due to appear before Court 1 of the CCJ, while the other man, who is in his 30s, had been released.
Gardaí added that they are looking to speak with any individuals who were in the Cathal Brugha Street area, near the Living Room Bar, between 12:40 am and 1:00 am and any individuals who were on O’Connell Street Upper near the Spar Shop / Funland/ Tourism Office, opposite the Spire, between 12:40 am and 1:00 am Sunday morning.
Anyone who has camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to Gardaí, and anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
In a subsequent update on Monday, Gardaí said that another man, aged in his 30s, had been arrested and was detained at a Garda station in Dublin. This is the third arrest made by Gardaí as part of this investigation.
Meanwhile, the injured man, aged in his 40s, remains in hospital in a serious condition.
RTÉ News reports that Madalin Ghiuzan, a 23-year-old from Romania who has been living in Ireland for five years, has been charged with two counts of assault causing harm.
Ghiuzan, who has an address at Summerhill Parade in Dublin 1, appeared in the Dublin District Court on Monday morning to be charged with the offenses.
Garda Sergeant Sean McCarthy said that at 12:40 am on Sunday, Ghiuzan was at Cathal Brugha Street with friends when the injured party approached him.
The court heard they had no prior contact, and they “engaged in a conversation” before two alleged assaults took place.
McCarthy said Ghiuzan was observed striking the man several times before his group of friends moved to O’Connell Street.
The victim was knocked to the ground during the assault, McCarthy said, and “struggled with getting himself onto his feet.”
The court heard that the man also proceeded to O’Connell Street, where he encountered the group once again near the Spire.
McCarthy said Ghiuzan “pushed and punched the man,” causing him to fall to the ground. He said the man never regained consciousness following the second attack and has been brought to the Mater Hospital where he is “unresponsive.”
He described the man’s injuries as “serious at present” and said more serious charges would be brought against Ghiuzan if the man’s condition deteriorated. The current charges carry a maximum 10-year prison term.
Under cross-examination by defense solicitor Stephen O’Mahony, McCarthy agreed that Ghiuzan had answered questions and put forward a narrative of self-defense.
He also acknowledged that the investigation was ongoing and that Gardaí sought to interview other people. They are also investigating further video evidence from the area.
McCarthy acknowledged that Ghiuzan had no other charges before the court but said he was recommending against bail due to the seriousness of the offenses in addition to flight risk concerns.
Although Ghiuzan has lived in Ireland for five years, McCarthy told the court that the accused had no real ties to the state, adding that he did not pay rent or a mortgage as he lives with a family member.
McCarthy told District Court President Judge Paul Kelly that Ghiuzan made no reply when the charges were put to him.
O’Mahony said his client would obey bail conditions, pointing out that he moved to Ireland when he was 18 and had a job. He also has an Irish driver’s license and lives with a sibling, O’Mahony said.
Judge Kelly, however, held that Ghiuzan was a flight risk and refused to grant bail.
Ghiuzan has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.
