Bail granted for man charged in connection with Longford stabbing

A 29 year old man has appeared before a sitting of Longford District Court in connection with a stabbing that occurred last Thursday night, January 29, in Longford town.  

On Monday night, Feb 2, Slovakian national, Martin Grundza of 47 Lana Aoibheann, Longford, was arrested and charged by Longford Gardaí with the alleged assault of a man in his 30’s.

The victim - who subsequently underwent surgery in the Mater Hospital, Dublin and has since been discharged - was reported to be unfit to attend yesterday.

The court was told that Mr Grundza made no reply when charged under section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. 

The assault is said to have occurred during a public order incident - involving approximately 20 people - in Chapel Lane, Longford Town. CCTV footage of the incident was played in court.    

This matter is also now currently under investigation by Gardaí. 

Inquiries were conducted by Longford Gardaí both at the scene and door-to-door in the estate.  

At a sitting of the Longford District Court, a contested bail application was made under Section 2 of the Bail Act. 

Longford based solicitor Diarmuid Quinn represented the accused in court.

After taking a break to deliberate on the matter, Judge Bernadette Owens granted bail on Mr Grundza's own bond of €2,500.

In granting bail, Judge Owens imposed significant conditions including that Mr Grundza reside at an address in Edgeworthstown, and seek the approval of a named Garda 72 hours in advance should he wish to change address.

He must stay out of Longford town except for court sittings, and solicitor / doctor appointments, and provide documentary evidence of said appointments.

Mr Grundza must also stay away from Chapel Lane in Longford.

The accused was ordered not to have any contact either directly or indirectly with the injured party, the family of the injured party, or any other witnesses identified in writing to his solicitor. He must adhere to a curfew of 10pm-6am, remain intoxicant free, and sign on at Granard Garda Station every Monday and Friday.

In addition to being contactable at all times, Mr Grundza must also surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for a duplicate. 

In applying for legal aid, solicitor Diarmuid Quinn said his client was in receipt of disability allowance. 

Judge Owens granted legal aid and remanded Mr Grundza to appear before the court again on May 12

Read More: Gardaí arrest and charge man in connection with Longford stabbing incident