Man in custody for assault asks judge how it would impact him if heard he would commit suicide in prison

Defendant is accused of hitting American tourist on the head with walking stick at Cork train station 

It is alleged a young American woman visiting Cork was struck across the head with a walking stick when she was at Kent railway station. Picture: Larry Cummins

A 39-year-old man accused of assaulting an American woman visiting Cork asked the judge at Cork District Court what impact it would have on him to hear he would commit suicide in prison.

Judge David Waters told Charles Radise, of Domville Woods, Santry, Dublin, he would be very concerned to hear that. And he recommended the defendant would receive all necessary medical attention on his return to prison.

The defendant was remanded in continuing custody until July 21 at Cork District Court.

It is alleged a young American woman visiting Cork was struck across the head with a walking stick when she was at Kent railway station.

Details of the alleged assault causing harm were outlined previously at Cork District Court where Sergeant John Dineen said the DPP said it was a suitable case to be dealt with at district court level. 

However, at that court hearing, Judge Catherine Ryan said: “Based on what I have seen, it is an injury to the face which could leave scarring. I am not prepared to accept jurisdiction.” 

The defendant had no legal representation in court because of the dispute going on between solicitors and the minister for justice over free legal aid payments.

In his outline of the allegations, Sergeant John Dineen said: “On March 26, gardaí were made aware of an assault that occurred at Kent railway station in Cork. It was alleged that a female tourist had been attacked with an article, believed to be a walking stick. 

"The injured party received a large laceration to the side of her forehead as a result of being struck on the head by the solitary male, requiring hospitalisation. She was taken to Cork University Hospital, where five staples were applied to the wound.”

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