Man charged over alleged assault captured in online video

A man has been remanded in custody charged in connection with an alleged serious assault in Co Cavan on Tuesday last, video evidence of which, gardaí say, was posted online.

Desmond Hughes (24) with an address at Bruce Manor, Arva, appeared in garda custody before Cavan District Court Thursday charged with assault causing harm to Sarah Tierney at Bruce Manor on May 31st.

He is further charged with producing an axe during the course of a fight or a dispute on the same occasion and with the theft of a TV, valued at €400, from the A&E Department of Cavan General Hospital on Wednesday, June 1st.

Objecting strongly to bail on behalf of the State, Inspector Pat O’Connell told Judge Denis McLoughlin that there was open video evidence of the assault, which was posted on a social media site.

The inspector said that the gardaí will require DPP direction on the matter and that medical reports will also be required for the case. He said that gardaí had “serious concerns” that, if granted bail, Mr Hughes would “interfere” with witnesses or injured parties in the case.

He added gardaí had a “fear for the safety” of witnesses in the case.

Applying for bail, solicitor for the defendant Garrett Fortune accepted that the charges were serious but said "nothing has been proven".

Judge McLoughlin remanded Mr Hughes in custody to Castlerea Prison to appear at Harristown District Court on Friday.