Brothers face trial for allegedly beating young man outside shops
Two brothers accused of punching and kicking a young man outside a shopping centre in full view of shoppers have been sent forward for trial.
Twins Mark (21) and Michael Ibrahim (21) allegedly knocked the victim to the ground, and then pulled him to his feet by his hair.
The pair were served with the book of evidence when they appeared on bail before Balbriggan District Court.
The accused, with an address at Taylor Hill Court in Balbriggan, are charged with seriously assaulting a man at Castlemill Shopping Centre in Balbriggan on November 4, 2023.
A state solicitor said the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who go forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Shalom Binchy gave the men the formal alibi caution, and assigned solicitors Fiona D’Arcy and Tony Collier and two junior counsel on free legal aid.
Gda O’Donnell said the victim fell to the ground, and he was kicked
The DPP had directed summary trials in the district court and a judge previously refused jurisdiction.
In relation to the allegation, Garda Dean O’Donnell previously alleged the victim was standing outside a shop with friends around 6pm when the two accused walked over to him, and Michael hit him in the face.
Gda O’Donnell said the victim fell to the ground, and he was kicked a number of times by Michael and Mark.
Gda O’Donnell alleged that Michael grabbed the victim by the hair and hit him again.
Michael is alleged to have dragged the victim to his feet by his hair, and he and Mark assaulted him again.
Gda O’Donnell said the accused then dragged the victim along the footpath, and out of the view of the CCTV cameras.
Gardaí knew the victim, it was alleged, and they went to his house later that day, and took pictures of his injuries.