Wicklow man accused of leaving victim with potentially life-altering injuries is denied bail
The Wicklow PeopleA man accused of inflicting potentially life-altering injuries on another man during an alleged attack has been denied bail.
Brandon Breen (23), of Mitchell Close, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with one count of assault causing harm.
Detective Garda Tighe O’Connor informed the court that gardaí were objecting to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, adding that assault causing harm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if Mr Breen is found guilty on indictment.
He added that a file is currently with the Director of Public Prosecutions, awaiting a decision on whether further charges will be brought.
The court was told that on June 4, Mr Breen, his girlfriend and the complainant were drinking in Wicklow town before heading back to the alleged injured party’s mobile home, which is located in his parents’ back garden.
In a witness statement, the complainant alleges that he took €200 from an ATM before they headed to the house of Mr Breen’s sister, who was not home. The last memory the complainant had was opening a can of Bulmers while in his mobile home.
At 1am the following morning, gardaí responded to a call from Mr Breen’s sister, who said he had arrived at her home and told her he had attacked a man.
Det Garda O’Connor stated that Mr Breen’s mother tried to locate where the incident had taken place and found the alleged victim, but had no assistance from the accused.
He added that gardaí discovered the complainant with “catastrophic injuries” and “gasping for air”.
A preliminary medical report from St Vincent’s Hospital was handed into the court, stating that the alleged victim’s injuries may be life-altering, with him needing a steel plate in his head and being at risk of losing an eye.
Mr Breen was arrested at the scene, with money also missing from the wallet of the complainant.
It is alleged that Mr Breen tried to flee the scene prior to his arrest.
Det Garda O’Connor told the court that no bail conditions would satisfy gardaí.
While in custody, it is alleged Mr Breen told his mother during a phone conversation to “get the girls to retract their statements” in relation to his sisters. It was noted that Det Garda O’Connor was present during this conversation.
Barrister for the defendant, Gregory Murphy, said that his client has an address he can reside at and will abide by strict conditions.
The court heard that a hammer and glass bottle were seized at the scene, along with a wallet containing blood and fingerprints, which has been sent to Forensic Science Ireland for testing.
Mr Murphy argued that gardaí have no CCTV footage of the alleged assault, adding that without the sisters’ testimony the case is “completely circumstantial”.
He said that Mr Breen’s mother was willing to provide an independent surety if the court required one.
Judge Andy Gubbins remanded the accused in custody, remarking that the “money offered isn’t substantial enough”, and denied counsel’s request for bail. Mr Breen was remanded in custody and is due back before the court on July 6.