Homeless man thrown down stairs was unconscious before head was stamped on, Cork court hears

The 52-year-old man was treated by ambulance personnel at Cork's Kent station.

A homeless man was thrown down two flights of stairs at Kent railway station and one of his three attackers appeared to understand the gravity of the attack and put the unconscious victim in the recovery position – but then stamped on his head.

Detective Garda Ross McCabe made these allegations at Cork District Court in the course of an objection to bail being granted to 25-year-old Jack Cronin of Kinlay House, Cork,

The detective described the accused man as a danger to the community. He is charged with assault causing harm to the injured party, aged 52.

Judge Mary Dorgan said that the allegation in relation to what occurred after the victim was placed in the recovery position was “a serious aggravating factor”.

Bail was refused and the man was remanded in custody until November 17, on the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Det Garda McCabe outlined the background to the incident which allegedly occurred at around 10.20pm on October 7.

“Gardaí were contacted by Ambulance Control at Kent Train Station, Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork, and attended the scene where they met the injured party — a 52-year-old homeless man — who was being treated by ambulance personnel.

“The injured party said he had been walking through the station when he was attacked by three males, thrown and kicked down two flights of stairs. The injured party tried to get away from the three men and he was pursued in the corridor under the station and knocked to the ground, where he was kicked and hit in the head and body a number of times by all three males. 

“CCTV captures the assault. The injured party is left in an unconscious state on the ground. Jack Cronin appears to understand the gravity of what they have done and he first places him in the recovery position.

“However, he then stamps on his head before the three suspects flee the scene.

“The injured party sustained injuries including possible fractured jaw and cuts and bruises. The injured party was assisted by staff from Kent station until arrival of gardaí and ambulance personnel. The ambulance conveyed him to Cork University Hospital Accident and Emergency where he was treated for his injuries,” Det. Garda McCabe said.