Married couple 'traumatised' after alleged violent car hijacking, court hears

Tom Tuite

A married couple were "traumatised" after being assaulted, stabbed and receiving death threats during a violent car hijacking on Dublin's South Great George's Street, a court heard.

Anthony Cooney, 37, of no fixed abode but recently using hostel accommodation on Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, was charged with robbery and two counts of assault causing harm to the couple in their 40s on Thursday evening.

Bail was denied when he appeared before Judge Brendan Toale at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Kevin Street Garda Shane McConkey objected to the accused being released, citing the seriousness of the case, and explained the couple could not attend the bail hearing because they were traumatised. However, they have given statements.

Evidence

He said the evidence showed the couple were in their 2018 Volvo when a man got into the back seat.

The woman tried to leave the car but was allegedly told, "Get back into the car, or I will kill your husband."

He allegedly told her husband to drive the vehicle.

The court heard the male demanded cash, telling the husband he would kill his wife.

It was said that he had a metal fork and stabbed the man several times in the left upper arm. He then allegedly grabbed the woman by the back of her neck and held a fork to her neck. The husband was told, "Keep driving."

After a while, he was told to pull over, and the man demanded the keys as the husband "pleaded" that his wife be let out, and the couple managed to leave the car. They got a bus, and the husband sought medical attention.

It was alleged that the man then drove from the city centre and crashed into a Mercedes van at the Kylemore Road – Naas Road junction and left on foot. The car was written off.

Gardaí stopped the accused, who allegedly matched the description, and it was claimed he had the car key.

Mr Cooney, in a navy tracksuit and runners, did not address the court, "made no reply" when charged and has not yet entered a plea.

CCTV

He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on Thursday for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Garda McConkey said he would be seeking further charges, including false imprisonment.

The court heard that there was also CCTV evidence, but the prosecution's evidence could be challenged during the trial.

Defence counsel Kevin McCrave pleaded for bail with conditions and submitted that the garda evidence had relied on hearsay; neither the couple nor the garda who arrested his client testified at the bail hearing.

The case is likely to be sent to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers, and Mr McCrave submitted that Mr Cooney, who has the presumption of innocence, could spend a lengthy period in custody until his trial concluded.

However, the judge refused bail and ordered that Mr Cooney receive medical attention in custody. Legal aid was granted.