Concert stabbing accused appears in court again

A 22-year-old man accused of stabbing a tourist at a Swedish House Mafia concert in the Phoenix Park in Dublin last Saturday was further remanded in custody today.

On Monday, Raymond Donnan, with an address at Greenfort Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin was charged with a number of offences in connection with incidents at the outdoor gig 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, on July 7.

He had been refused bail at Dublin District Court following an objection by Garda Sergeant Shane McCartan who had cited the seriousness of the charges. The 22-year-old, who “made no reply in respect of the charges", was remanded in custody and made his second court appearance today.

At Cloverhill District Court, Mr Donnan, who has not yet entered pleas to the charges, was further remanded in custody by Judge David McHugh after he heard that a file is being prepared for the DPP whose directions are still outstanding.

Mr Donnan, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and did not address the court, will appear again on August 3 next.

On Monday , when he was first charged, Dublin District Court had been told that Mr England was allegedly assaulted when he went to help a woman who was involved in a row. Gda Sgt McCartan had said the concert-goer was stabbed “on five occasions” causing him to receive four puncture wounds to his side and one to his head.

The tourist had also suffered damage to his liver and “had to receive stitches to the back of his head and elbow arising out of this attack”.

The proceedings have already heard that the case would probably be sent forward to the Circuit Court and it could take a year before the trial takes place.

Gda-Sgt McCartan had also said on Monday that the violent disorder charge on conviction carried a sentence of up to 10 years and the assault charge can result in a five-year term.

The event also featured Tinie Tempah and Calvin Harris on its line-up. More than 30 arrests were made on the night of the concert which was marred by a litany of incidents including public order offences, assaults and drugs seizures. Two men who had been at the concert also died after they fell ill.