Bail granted for man charged in connection with fatal stabbing

A YOUNG man charged in connection with a fatal stabbing last weekend was granted bail yesterday.

Dane Pearse, aged 20, from Londonbridge Drive, Sandymount, Dublin 4, was charged with serious assault and possession of a weapon on Monday.

This followed the death of 26-year-old Mark Spellman, from Dalkey, south Dublin, in the early hours of last Saturday.

Mr Spellman died from a stab wound he sustained while walking on Londonbridge Road, Sandymount.

Solicitor for Pearse, Brian McKenzie, made a bail application on behalf of his client at Cloverhill District Court yesterday.

Detective Garda Damien Boland of Irishtown Garda Station objected to bail being granted. He said this was because of the seriousness of the charges, the belief that the accused posed a flight risk if released and that more serious charges were being prepared.

Garda Boland also said that a bench warrant had been issued against Pearse in 2006.

Mr McKenzie said his client had been interviewed several times by gardaí and had been “fully co-operative” and had answered all questions. Garda Boland said that was correct.

Mr McKenzie said the accused had been living at the family address on Londonbridge Drive for a number of years with his mother and uncle. He said his client had surrendered his passport. Garda Boland said that was true. The solicitor said the bench warrant was in relation to a public order incident and had been executed. Garda Boland said he did not think it was related to a public order incident.

Mr McKenzie said his client was willing to accept any bail conditions and that a friend of the family was willing to offer a €10,000 independent surety, which he said was a “not insignificant” amount. Judge Ann Ryan said she had considered the objections and the application.

She remanded the accused in custody but with consent to bail on the defendant’s own bond of €5,000 and independent surety of €10,000, with €5,000 being lodged.

She said the accused had to sign on daily at Irishtown station, comply with a 9pm to 9am curfew, reside at the family home and not reapply for a passport.

Garda Boland said officers had checked out Michael Nesbitt, the family friend offering the surety.

Mr Nesbitt, a company director, told the court he was a lifelong friend of the family and understood the obligations attached.

Judge Ryan told him that if he did not appear in court when asked that his money would be forfeited.

She adjourned the case back to Cloverhill District Court next Wednesday.