Bail denied to man accused of slashing two people with a six-inch knife in popular Kerry tourist town
The KerrymanA man accused of slashing two people with a six-inch kitchen knife in Kenmare’s town square has been denied bail.
Daniel Bulat (20) appeared in the dock at Tralee District Court on Thursday, wearing a brick red T-shirt and white sweatpants.
He clasped his hands and listened intently to an interpreter as charges against him were read to the courtroom.
He was charged with two counts of assault and possession of a knife in the early hours of August 9.
It is alleged two men sustained slash wounds while attempting to overpower him before gardaí arrived, said Detective Garda Daíre O’Sullivan of Kenmare Garda Station.
Authorities were concerned Mr Bulat would commit further offences “of a violent nature”, said the detective.
“Gardaí firmly believe that, if granted bail, Daniel Bulat poses a risk to the people of Kenmare,” he told the court.
Gardaí were concerned the accused would flee the jurisdiction if granted bail.
The detective noted that the accused came to Ireland on July 12 after he was offered accommodation in exchange for work by Patrick Foley.
Mr Foley, the owner of Foley’s Bar in Kenmare, paid for Mr Bulat’s ticket, the garda said.
Mr Bulat is originally from Moldova but holds a Romanian passport and lived in France for three years, the court heard.
Gardaí do not have his passport and Mr Foley has terminated his employment.
“It is believed Daniel Bulat has no ties to the jurisdiction and no employment,” said Det Gda O’Sullivan. “He has no fixed abode and he has no English.”
The detective alleged he was “caught red-handed by members of the public, who restrained him in the square until gardaí arrived”.
He noted the strength of the evidence, which includes CCTV and mobile phone recordings, statements from injured parties and admissions.
Additionally, a knife was found near Mr Bulat and gardaí seized clothing that matched clothing worn by the alleged perpetrator in recordings.
Solicitor Padraig O’Connell noted his client had no known previous convictions.
“We are awaiting his full record from his own country,” the detective replied.
The solicitor noted that his client’s bail application should not be compromised because Mr Bulat had lost accommodation when Mr Foley terminated his employment.
“You would accept having no address is not a reason not to grant bail?” he asked the detective. “Mr Foley has effectively thrown the accused under the bus by taking accommodation away from him.”
The solicitor added, “He has the presumption of innocence. No previous convictions that are before the court, if any at all.”
Mr Bulat had not applied for bail since his arrest, said Mr O’Connell.
Judge Liz Healy asked the accused if he understood all that was said through the Moldovan interpreter.
She remanded him in custody to Tralee District Court on August 27 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.