Ruling due on Phoenix Park stabbing

The State has been given eight weeks to get directions from the DPP in the case of a 22-year-old man accused of stabbing a tourist at a Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin in July

Raymond Donnan, with an address at Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin, made his fourth district court appearance yesterday. He had been charged earlier with a number of offences in connection with incidents at the outdoor gig on Jul 7, which was attended by about 45,000 people.

Mr Donnan is accused of assault causing harm to 28-year-old Andrew England — a tourist from the Isle of Man who suffered multiple stab wounds — as well as production of a knife in the course of a dispute, violent disorder, breach of the peace, and being intoxicated in public at the Phoenix Park.

Mr Donnan had been refused bail at Dublin District Court on Jul 9 following an objection by Gda Sgt Shane McCartan who had cited the seriousness of the charges.

However, the 22-year-old, who “made no reply in respect of the charges”, was later granted High Court bail.

Yesterday, he appeared again at Dublin District Court, where Judge Bryan Smyth was told by the prosecution that a further remand was being sought. A file had been sent to the office of the DPP earlier this month and more time was needed to get directions.

Defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens asked the judge to note “time passing” in relation to the case, as it has been before the court since July. A court garda sergeant said the prosecution was consenting to the case being marked peremptory against the State if the remand period were extended to eight weeks.

Judge Smyth agreed and ordered Mr Donnan, who was wearing a dark blue tracksuit and grey runners, to appear again on Nov 23. His case has now been made “peremptory against the State”, meaning it could be struck out if the DPP’s directions are not available on the next date.

Mr Donnan has not yet entered pleas to the charges and the proceedings have already heard that the case would probably be sent forward to the Circuit Court and it could take about a year before a trial takes place.

Earlier, the proceedings heard that Mr England was stabbed “on five occasions” causing him to receive four puncture wounds to his side and one to his head.