No bail for man accused of 'frenzied' stabbing of Dubs ace Cooper

Dublin GAA star Jonny Cooper (24) was asleep and defenceless as he was subjected to a frenzied knife attack, a court has heard.

He was rushed to the Mater hospital following an incident in the early hours of September 20th, on Dorset Street Upper, Dublin 7.

The accused, Mark Lavelle (31) with an address at Basin Street, Dublin 8, has been refused bail by Judge John Lindsay at Cloverhill District Court.

He had been charged last week with assault causing harm to the the Dublin and Na Fianna footballer.

During a bail hearing today, Judge Lindsay heard Mr Lavelle intended to contest the charge.

Garda sergeant Brendan Staines told Judge Lindsay Mr Lavelle was allegedly caught with a knife and that there was DNA and CCTV evidence.When Mr Lavelle was originally charged last week, his reply was: “I don’t remember anything, the government took my medical card, I was without my medication.”

Counsel said that her client will be contesting the charge. She also said her client has a history of health issues and while he could not propose an independent surety to act as a bail-person, he could offer an address in Dublin.

The barrister also asked the judge to note that the DPP has not given directions in relation to the case yet and it could still be dealt with at district court level.

However, Judge Lindsay refused bail at which point Mr Lavelle, dressed in a grey tracksuit, stood up from behind a glass barrier and indicated to his lawyer that he was consenting to a two-week remand.

The case resumes on November 13th.