Man accused of striking patient sitting on bench outside Cork's Mercy Hospital with an iron bar

Judge said the fact the injured party was a hospital patient at the time was an extremely aggravating factor

Judge adjourned the case until December 7 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Picture: Denis Scannell

A patient sitting on a bench outside Mercy University Hospital was struck repeatedly with an iron bar, it was alleged in court, where a man appeared on a charge of assault causing harm.

Sergeant John Dineen said: “The injured party was a patient sitting on a bench outside the front door of Mercy University Hospital.

“It is alleged Jonathan Bullman produced a metal bar and struck him a number of times with it.” 

Judge David Waters said the fact the injured party was a hospital patient at the time was an extremely aggravating factor and this was why his colleague had previously refused jurisdiction in the matter.

The case was adjourned until December 7 for further directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Jonathan Bullman, 58, with an address at The Courtyard, Castledargan, Ballygawley, Sligo, appeared at Cork District Court charged with assault causing harm.

“To me, it would be an extremely aggravating factor that the injured party was a hospital patient. Jurisdiction has been refused previously by my colleague,” Judge Waters said.

The judge then adjourned the case until December 7 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The 58-year-old defendant was remanded on bail until that date.