Man in court over meat cleaver assault

A 32-year-old man has appeared in court in relation to an alleged meat cleaver assault that left the victim with a 20- stitch cut to the head.

A book of evidence was served on Patrick Kolodziej of Coor East, Doonogan, at Ennis District Court.

Mr Kolodziej was initially charged with assault causing harm in relation to the alleged meat cleaver and knife attack on Marcin Jeziorny at the home the two Polish men shared near Miltown Malbay in Co Clare on May 17th.

On conviction, a charge of assault causing harm carries a maximum jail term of five years. However, the State last month charged Mr Kolodziej with assault causing serious harm, which carries a prison term up to life.

Mr Kolodziej is accused of producing a kitchen knife and a meat cleaver capable of inflicting serious injury during the alleged assault.

Mr Kolodziej first appeared in court two days after the alleged assault and has been in custody since after failing to secure bail.

Solicitor for Mr Kolodziej Daragh Hassett said that he was making a fresh bail application.

Det Garda Donal Corkery told a previous court sitting the victim sustained one cut to the head requiring 20 stitches, with a further cut to the face needing between five and 10 stitches.

Mr Jeziorny was first taken by ambulance to Ennis, from where he was brought by helicopter to Galway University Hospital.

Det Corkery said the accused had been living at the house for 14 months and in Ireland for four years.

Judge Aeneas McCarthy remanded Mr Kolodziej in custody until August 17th, when he will hear the bail application.