Crimecall TV appeal leads to arrest of man for unprovoked assault of woman in Cork

Defendant allegedly elbowed the woman in the face, knocking her unconscious, court heard

The alleged assault took place on Oliver Plunkett Street. Picture: Denis Minihane

A Garda public appeal for information leading to the identification of a man who elbowed a woman into the face in an unprovoked assault that knocked her unconscious in Cork city centre last November resulted in a man being arrested and brought before Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Conor Cronin arrested 36-year-old Abdelilah Habbouly, of Meadow Park, The Meadows, Hollyhill, Cork, and brought him before Cork District Court on Monday afternoon.

He was charged with assault causing harm to the woman on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork, on November 23, 2025, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

Sergeant John Kelleher said there was no objection to bail on conditions.

Those conditions include residing at his home address, signing on at Gurranabraher Garda Station three times a week, surrendering his passport, having no contact directly or indirectly with the injured party, and to be contactable by phone at all times by An Garda Síochána.

Frank Buttimer was appointed to represent the accused on free legal aid.

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until June 29 to allow time for directions to be obtained from the DPP.

Gardaí issued a public appeal for information and featured the matter on the RTÉ's Crimecall.

It was reported at the time the attack immediately knocked the woman unconscious and she suffered a broken orbital bone as a result of the attack and received treatment in the hospital for her injuries.