Brazilian man pepper-sprayed in Dublin attack

Two youths have been charged after a Brazilian man was pepper-sprayed, attacked and robbed in Dublin last night.

A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, and Daniel Clarke (aged 18), of Dolphin House, Dublin 8, were charged today with robbery of the Brazilian national, at the South Circular Road.

The pair were arrested 20 minutes after they allegedly robbed the man, who is in his early 20s and had only arrived in Ireland a few weeks ago.

Detective Garda Nathan McKenna told Judge Bryan Smyth at the Dublin Children's Court that Mr Clarke had “no reply after charge”.

Det Gda McKenna objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence. He said it would be alleged that the 16-year-old boy “pepper sprayed the injured party”. When the man turned away “to cover himself”, Mr Clarke allegedly “punched him and threw him against a wall”.

Judge Smyth heard that it was also alleged the man was then punched and kicked as he was pepper-sprayed and had his wallet taken.

Judge Smyth granted bail to Mr Clarke on condition he obeyed a curfew and did not associate with the 16-year-old. Judge Smyth also ruled that there would have to be an independent surety for bail to be taken up, and 500 in cash would have to be lodged.

Mr Clarke, who is in a “back to school scheme” and gets a weekly 100 social welfare payment, was remanded in custody with consent to bail and ordered to appear again on Thursday.

Det Gda Laura O'Brien told the court that the 16-year-old, who was accompanied to his hearing by his mother, had no reply to his charge.

She also objected to bail telling the court that it was alleged that after the robbery the teen was seen throwing the pepper-spray can away, but she added that it was recovered by her colleague.

The Brazilian man's injuries “are of a bad nature” and “serious further charges are envisaged”, she told the court.

Judge Smyth agreed to set bail terms which included a curfew and a ban on him going to a number of locations in Dublin city's south-side, including the South Circular Road. He was also told that he cannot be in Mr Clarke's company.

The judge also held that a €500 independent surety would have to be lodged in court before the 16-year-old can take up his bail.

The boy, who remained silent during the hearing, was also ordered to appear again on Thursday.