Man charged over Capel Street garda stabbing further remanded in custody

Case against Abdullah Khan, 23, adjourned for four weeks pending directions from the DPP

Gardaí at the scene of the stabbing on Capel Street, Dublin, on July 29. Picture: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie.

A 23-year-old man charged over the stabbing of a garda on a Dublin street last week has agreed to stay in prison for another four weeks pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Abdullah Khan replied "sound" in Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday when told his next hearing was set for September 3, and he was going to have a further consultation with his legal team.

Mr Khan, with an address in north Dublin that cannot be reported by court order, was arrested at the scene following an incident at about 6pm on Capel Street on the city's northside on July 29.

He appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin on Wednesday for his second court appearance, having been held in custody with no bail application on July 31.

Appearing via video link, seated and wearing a grey sweatshirt, he confirmed to his solicitor Katie Dowling that he consented to being further remanded in custody pending the DPP's decision on the case.

He initially said, "That's all right," "Yeah, yeah," and "Thank you" when his case was called early and put to second calling.

When it resumed, he spoke up to give his surname and confirmed to his solicitor, Katie Dowling: "I can hear you".

It was explained to him the matter was listed for mention, and he answered, "Yeah".

Judge Cronin noted the DPP's directions were not yet available. Detective Sergeant Liam McLaughlin, of  Bridewell Garda Station, informed the court he was applying for a four-week remand if there was consent.

During later exchanges with Ms Dowling, Mr Khan was informed the directions were not available and he was entitled to apply for bail at any stage.

The defence solicitor also explained the State was asking for another four weeks for those directions, and he could consent to a two-week adjournment, but it was unlikely they would be available. Or, she added, he could agree to a four-week adjournment.

"On consent to the four weeks," he replied.

Judge Cronin remanded Mr Khan in continuing custody, noting a video link appearance was acceptable on the next date.

At the end of the hearing, his solicitor advised him he had a video link consultation arranged for that night, adding: "We will be able to discuss the matter in more detail at that stage," to which Mr Khan replied: "Sound".

Ms Dowling also advised him if he wished to apply for bail, he could do so at any time once gardaí had been notified in advance.

The injured garda, a young probationary member of the force who was on high-visibility patrol with a colleague, received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The accused man is charged with assault causing harm to the officer and the production of a Tactix knife capable of causing serious injury.

He has yet to indicate a plea to the charges, which are under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act and section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

At the first court appearance on Thursday, the defence secured reporting restrictions on the publication of Mr Khan's address, due to "concerns around safety", which was confirmed by Det Sgt McLaughlin. Medical attention in custody was also ordered, and legal aid was granted.