Man appears in court over assault on off-duty gardaí

A man has been refused bail after being charged with assaulting two off-duty gardaí in Dublin's Temple Bar, which left one of the officers in a critical condition in hospital.

Johnathan O'Neill, 32, with an address at Cromcastle Road, Kilmore, Dublin, was charged with assault causing harm to the two men at Eustace Street in the early hours of Saturday.

He is also accused of robbing one of the men's phone and wallet.

Both were knocked to the ground unconscious outside a pizzeria. One of them remains in hospital in critical condition and has undergone surgery twice.

It was alleged the second man, who has been discharged, suffered a concussion and cuts to his face and lip.

Judge Paula Murphy denied him bail when he appeared at Dublin District Court.

Detective Sergeant Paul Carney said Mr O'Neill did not reply after being charged at Pearse Street Garda Station.

Objecting to bail, he cited the seriousness of the case.

Mr O'Neill did not address the court and has yet to indicate a plea.

His solicitor said Mr O'Neill would obey bail conditions.

Legal aid was granted after he was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear in court again on Friday.

Gardaí must obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.