Fighting men were involved in bloody brawl in Longford supermarket car park
The defendant, formerly of Auburn Court, Harbour Row, appeared at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.
A judge has heard two men were involved in a violent fight in a public car park in Longford during a row which left both bloodied and injured.
Sylwester Strzelecki (48) formerly of Auburn Court, Harbour Row appeared at last week's sitting of Longford District Court.
Sergeant Mark Mahon, for the State, said gardaí received reports at about 9pm that two men were involved in a brawl at Tesco Car Park on August 3, 2023.
The court heard that when officers arrived at the scene there was a disturbance and two cars that belonged to both parties were facing each other.
Sgt Mahon said gardaí attempted to identify those involved and restore order and they were successful in stopping the defendant's co-accused who had blood smeared on his nose and hands.
Judge Vincent Deane heard Mr Strzelecki's co-accused told gardaí that the man he was fighting who was later identified as the defendant had left to get medical treatment.
Officers then sought CCTV from the area and they trawled through footage and they managed to positively identify the two offenders.
The court heard Mr Strzelecki has since moved back to his native Poland.
Sgt Mahon said the pair were involved in a violent altercation that lasted around four minutes.
Judge Deane seemed concerned about the incident occurring in such a public area and while the supermarket was open with a steady stream of customers in the vicinity.
He added, “Tesco’s is open until 10pm and these two men are openly fighting in the car park in Longford?”
The court heard the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed “summary disposal”, which means the case could be dealt with in the District Court.
Solicitor Aoife Kelly said her client had flown back specially for the hearing and he was seeking a September hearing date.
However, Judge Deane replied the case had been 'going on way too long' as he declined the request.
“I am surprised there is anyone left alive it is going on since 2024,” he added.
Sgt Mahon stated Mr Strzelecki's co-accused had made a €500 cash payment to the court poor box and his case had been previously dismissed as he suggested that perhaps Mr Strzelecki may wish to follow a similar route.
Judge Deane indicated that could be acceptable and after Ms Kelly liaised with her client she sought a two week period to gather the €500.
Mr Strzelecki was remanded on continuing bail and the case was adjourned until June 16 for finalisation.