Courts / Dublin / Report

'The level of violence is something I haven't seen in a while': couple refused bail over alleged assault

Date
2025-10-01
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A homeless couple from Latvia, Inga Punane (31) and Vitins Gintars (32), were denied bail after being charged with assault involving a broken glass bottle in Dublin. Punane faces assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Act and producing a dangerous weapon under the Firearms Act. Gintars is charged with assault causing harm. Garda Dylan Higgins presented evidence of a fight where Punane allegedly smashed a bottle on the ground, struck the victim's legs and torso, and threw glass shards at another man. Two witnesses recorded the incident on their phones, and the victim was taken to St Vincent's Hospital with bleeding and scratches. The court noted the seriousness of the violence, potential sentence, and risk of witness interference. Both accused were remanded in custody, with legal aid and medical support for alcohol issues granted. The judge refused bail under the Bail Act and O'Callaghan principles, citing the severity of the charges and evidence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'The level of violence is something I haven't seen in a while': couple refused bail over alleged assault. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Why: Garda Higgins told Judge Conor Fottrell there were no bail conditions that would satisfy him because of the seriousness of the alleged offences, the potential sentence on conviction and the risk of interference with witnesses. CNI source report

Case subjects

Inga Punane

Accused

Outcome: He remanded Mr Gintars in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on 7 October by video link.

Places mentioned

Incident
Court Venue
  • Dún Laoghaire District Court
  • Cloverhill District Court
Facility
  • St Vincent's Hospital

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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