Canadian assault accused in court bid to return home

A Canadian student accused of attacking and injuring a French doctor in Dublin's Temple Bar wants to be let return home pending his court appearances, a judge heard today.

Simon Mercier (aged 23), who studies in Quebec, is accused of assault causing harm to 26-year-old French doctor Guillaume Osterstock in Temple Bar in the early hours of August 14 last.

Mr Osterstock sustained a serious head injury and is being treated at Dublin's Beaumont Hospital since the alleged incident.

Mr Mercier had been charged at Dublin District Court on August 15 and was remanded in custody until August 17 when Garda Barry Duggan objected to a bail application saying more serious charges may follow and that the student was a flight risk.

Gda Duggan had also said that Ireland has no extradition treaty with Canada.

In a bail application, the defence had submitted that Mr Mercier claimed it was a case of self-defence.

Bail was granted on August 17 on condition he signed on twice a day at a garda station and resided at an address given to the court.

Mr Mercier made his fourth court appearance today at Dublin District Court, where his solicitor asked for a further remand.

She confirmed that her client had taken up bail and said a High Court application “to allow him return back to Canada” has been adjourned.

The lawyer informed Judge Denis McLoughlin that her client, who remained silent during the case, was a university student and wanted to be able to “travel back and forth”.

Judge McLoughlin remanded Mr Mercier on continuing bail to appear again on September 7 pending the High Court application.