Fish factory worker faces assault charge

A man accused of theft and serious assault in West Cork fled the country but was intercepted by French authorities who deported him for having false travel documents.

Rytis Matelis, with an address at Rossa Rd, Skibbereen, is accused of a Section 3 assault, causing harm, charge, which Supt Colm O’Sullivan said was captured on a video set up by the 23-year-old Lithuanian.

The fish factory worker also faces charges in relation to the theft of three five-gallon oil drums, a sat nav, and a radio at Townshend St, Skibbereen on June 4. Det Garda Maurice Shanley said the accused yesterday made no reply when charged.

Gardaí at Clonakilty District Court, objected to bail. Supt O’Sullivan said Mr Matelis remained a flight risk and was unlikely to stand trial if granted bail.

Mr Matelis had been due in a district court on Sept 10 in West Cork but did not appear. The superintendent said gardaí had also attempted to execute a bench warrant on the accused but he “escaped out the back door of his home and, despite a chase, made good his escape”.

Peter O’Flynn BL said Mr Matelis, living in Skibbereen for 12 months, had been in full-time employment until six weeks ago.

Judge McNulty said there were two primary considerations for the granting of bail, firstly if the accused would appear and stand trial or, secondly, interfere with witnesses.

“The accused fails to make the first hurdle because of the grounds outlined by the superintendent indicating he failed to previously appear in court.”

The judge also said given the likely strength of evidence against the accused and the fact his child was not living in Lithuania, making his ties with the jurisdiction very tenuous, bail would be refused.

Mr Matelis, who has been in custody since he was deported to Rosslare on Friday, was further remanded in custody to appear at Clonakilty District Court on Oct 15. Legal aid was granted and Cork solicitor Eddie Burke was assigned.