'Road rage' case upgraded to murder

The case of a man charged with assaulting an English motorist, who died after an alleged road rage attack in Dublin last September, has been upgraded to murder.

Raymond Bates (aged 49), who was from Durham, sustained serious head injuries following an incident at the junction of Sandymount Road/Newbridge Avenue and Tritonville Road, in Sandymount, in Dublin 4, on September 26 last.

He felt unwell the next day and went to St Vincent's Hospital but was then transferred to Beaumont Hospital where he fell into a coma and died there on the evening of September 30 last. The father-of-three had been working in Ireland on a gas pipeline.

On October 12 last at Dublin District Court, Karl Donohoe (aged 29) of Fishermans Wharf, in Ringsend, in south Dublin, was charged under Section Four of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act with causing serious harm to Mr Bates.

At that point, the court had also heard that “there may be more serious charges” brought against him.

Mr Donohoe, a father-of-one, had been remanded on bail in his own bond of €250 and with an independent surety of €5,000, to appear again at Dublin District Court today.

Detective Barry Walsh told Judge Cormac Dunne that the assault charge was to be withdrawn.

Judge Dunne struck it out and was told that a new charge had been brought against Mr Donohoe, who was wearing a grey suit, blue shirt and striped tie.

This morning at 10.25am before court, he was charged with the murder of Mr Bates.

Mr Donohoe “made no reply to the charge after caution”, Det-Gda Walsh said.

Judge Dunne agreed to Det-Gda Walsh's request for a remand in custody and was also told by defence solicitor Michael Kelleher that “it is anticipated that there will be a bail application.”

Judge Dunne granted legal aid after hearing that the accused's circumstances had not changed. At his first appearance on October 12 last, the court had been told that the accused was employed and earned €480 a week but his “means are scarce”.

He remained silent today as evidence was given but said “Thank you” to the Judge Dunne after he had made his order.

He was remanded in custody and will appear again at the Dublin District Court on January 21 next.