Judge orders independent autopsy on man who died in Tipperary after assault

Ivan Volkov, (65), appeared before the court, charged in connection with the fatal assault of Shamil Nabiev, a 69-year-old native of Azerbaijan

Ivan Volkov, a Ukraine national, using crutches, leaving Newcastle West District Court today, Sunday, March 3, after he was charged in connection with a fatal assault at a refugee accommodation centre in Dundrum, Co Tipperary. Pic: David Raleigh

A judge has ordered that an independent autopsy be conducted on a man who died a number of days after he was assaulted at an accommodation centre in Co Tipperary.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican granted an application calling for the independent autopsy, during a special sitting of Newcastle West District Court in Co Limerick.

Ivan Volkov (65) with an address at House 2, Holm Oak Cottages, Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum, Co Tipperary, appeared before the court, charged in connection with the fatal assault of Shamil Nabiev, a 69-year-old native of Azerbaijan.

Mr Volkov, who is from Ukraine, appeared in court with crutches. He was charged with one count of assault causing harm to Mr Nabiev, on February 25 at the Dundrum House Hotel accommodation centre.

He was also charged with one count of affray at the same location on the same date. 

A Ukrainian interpreter was provided to Mr Volkov to explain what was happening during Sunday’s court hearing.

Garda Pat Ahern gave evidence of arresting Mr Volkov at 9.18am on March 2 and charging him at 10pm that night with the two offences before the court.

Garda Ahern said Mr Volkov replied to the assault charge, “I didn’t attack, I was defending myself.” He said Mr Volkov made no reply to the charge of affray.

Inspector Paul Slattery told the court gardaí had “no objection” to bail.

Philip English, solicitor for Mr Volkov, said he was not making an application for bail but would “likely“ be seeking bail on behalf of the accused at a later date.

Mr English made an application for an independent post-mortem examination to be conducted on the victim’s body, and he told the court “there is a certain urgency in respect to that”.

He said Mr Volkov was living in Dundrum on temporary protection refugee status, that he has serious health issues and is in receipt of a weekly disability payment of €236 from the State.

Judge Coolican granted the accused free legal aid and ordered that he receive “all necessary medical assistance while in custody”.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Nenagh District Court when a bail hearing is likely to proceed.

Earlier on Sunday, gardaí said the injured party was taken to hospital on February 29 to be treated for his injuries but had since died. They said an autopsy was being carried out on Sunday.