Man allegedly refused permission to stay in UK accused of biting a garda in Dublin

Tom Tuite

A Nigerian man who allegedly refused permission to stay in the UK has been accused of biting a garda after arriving in Dublin by ferry.

Grifix Onowu (37), who is of no fixed address, is charged with assault causing harm to one officer and a lesser assault on a second garda at the Stena yard in Dublin Port on Sunday.

He appeared at Dublin District Court facing bail objections.

Judge Áine Clancy noted on Monday that it was alleged that during a garda interaction he became aggressive and assaulted the officers, biting one of them on their hand.

Onowu did not have any legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors who have withdrawn services in District Court legal aid cases in response to recent payment reforms.

Judge Clancy stressed he had the presumption of innocence and explained to him that his bail was being opposed because he had no ties to the country and would not turn up for his trial.

"I will turn up," he said, but confirmed he had no address in the country, and he said he wanted to speak about the reason why the incident happened. He has not yet indicated a plea.

Bail was denied, and he was remanded in custody to appear on Friday at Cloverhill District Court.

The judge heard gardaí had been able to verify his identity and no bail conditions would satisfy them.