Man charged over Dublin city centre knife attacks

A 25-year-old man was remanded in custody today charged in connection with a series of attacks in Dublin city centre during which two men were stabbed and a woman suffered injuries.

Leon Wright from St Theresa's Gardens, in Dublin 8 is one of two men who had been arrested in relation to violent incidents at Grafton Street in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A 31-year-old man was stabbed in the chest, another male (35) was stabbed in the back, and a 22-year-old woman also suffered minor injuries.

Garda Alan Roche from Pearse Street Garda station told Judge Bryan Smyth at Dublin District Court that Mr Wright, who is unemployed, made no reply when he was charged with three counts of assault causing harm, as well as robbery and knife possession.

Mr Wright, who did not apply for bail, is charged with the attempted robbery of one man, Harsik Ashra Rajaysur and assault causing him harm at Grafton Street. He is also accused of robbing Killian Byrne and Karoline Doyzaite, as well as assault causing harm to them at nearby Chatham Row.

The seventh count brought against him is for unlawful possession of a knife on Chatham Row.

Garda Roche said Mr Wright was arrested at Kevin Street Garda station at 3.15am on April 16th. He was then brought to Pearse Street, where he was detained and later charged.

“There is no application for bail this morning, we are deferring that application to another time”,” defence solicitor Jenny McGeever told Judge Smyth.

Judge Smyth granted legal aid after hearing that the accused was not working.

Ms McGeever said she had had a second “slightly unusual” request that the judge order urine analysis testing on the accused man, who has not yet indicated how he will plead to the charges. “It arises in circumstances that may be relevant to our defence in the matter at a future time,” she explained.

Judge Smyth agreed to grant that order and remanded Mr Wright in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on April 24th.

Mr Wright, who was wearing a navy blue top, blue jeans and runners did not address the court during the brief hearing.

A second man also arrested in connection with the incidents remains in Garda custody.