Teen Boy "Slashed" In An Attack On A Dublin Bus

Tuesday, 8 August 2023 17:11

By Oisin Coyne

Christopher Dunne was refused bail when he appeared before Dublin District Court today.

A teenage boy was beaten, "slashed", and scarred from ear to the back of his neck in an attack on a bus in Dublin, a court heard.

29 year old Christopher Dunne, of no fixed abode, but claiming he could stay at a family member's address on Sheriff Street Lower in Dublin, was charged with assault causing harm to the boy on the 18th of May.

Christopher Dunne was refused bail when he appeared before Dublin District Court today, which heard allegations of what was described as a "horrific and vicious incident".

Gardai told the court the accused was arrested at Talbot Street and made no reply when charged, and Gardai objected to bail due to the seriousness of the incident.

It's alleged Mr Dunne was in a group of four travelling on the route 16 bus and sat at the back of the top deck, when the boy boarded, went upstairs and sat at the front.

An argument broke out among the accused's group, and they began shouting at each other, and Mr Dunne went to get off the bus as it got to Terenure Road.

The boy, who was not known to the accused, turned and "made eye contact and exchanged very brief verbals" with him.

It's claimed Mr Dunne "launched" an assault on the boy, overpowering him with punches and kicks.

The court heard a woman from the group then handed him an eyebrow blade the accused allegedly used to "slash" the teenager "from his left ear lobe to the centre of the back of his neck".

An off-duty nurse on the bus helped the victim, who required 25 stitches and has permanent scarring.

Christopher Dunne, who has yet to indicate a plea, will face his next hearing on Thursday.