TikTok video shows Dundalk face-slashing attack after urination row, court hears

Tom Tuite

A 23-year-old father accused of slashing a man's face in Dundalk has been granted bail but was ordered to remain out of Co Louth.

Jamie Lee Quilton is charged with assault causing harm and production of a knife on July 11th, 2025.

Judge Paul Burns heard that the injured man urinated outside Quilton's home, and a video of the incident was circulated on the social media app TikTok afterwards.

Bail was originally denied in the District Court. However, Quilton of Oakland Park, Cox's Demesne, made a fresh application to the High Court in Cloverhill on Tuesday.

Detective Garda Ben Mortimer opposed it, citing the seriousness of the case and the potential for witness interference, as the alleged victim lived near the accused's home.

The court heard that the injured party made a statement of complaint, and the investigation file has yet to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Detective Garda Mortimer alleged that at approximately 5:30pm on July 11th, 2025, the complainant, who resides nearby, was walking past the accused's house on his way to visit relatives.

The contested bail hearing was told that he stopped to urinate against a tree, but the accused saw him and allegedly asked what he was doing.

The court heard it would be claimed that the accused, "produced a kitchen knife, approached and reached over the pillar, slashing the left side of his face with the kitchen knife".

The man made a 999 call immediately afterwards, and gardaí took photos of his injuries, but he did not make a formal statement of complaint until last month.

The court was told the complainant was left with "a large gash from his ear to mid-cheek", and pictures of the wound were submitted to the judge.

Arguing for bail, defence barrister Keith Branagan submitted that his client had not come to attention for a serious offence in the 10 months before he was charged.

He added that his client had recently become a father, would abide by strict conditions, and reside with his partner's family in Limerick.

His girlfriend's mother confirmed that she had €1,000 available for bail, that he was welcome to live at her house, and that he had often stayed there over the past four years.

Judge Burns noted the seriousness of the allegation, which on conviction could carry a significant sentence, and that the accused had the presumption of innocence.

He ruled that there was insufficient evidence to show that Quilton would fail to appear in court, and that, while proximity to the complainant was a garda concern, the accused did not have a history of witness interference.

Judge Burns set Quilton's bond at €250 and required two independent sureties to lodge €1,000 and €1,500.

Once the bail money has been posted, he must reside at the nominated address in Limerick, have no contact with the witness, obey a curfew, and remain out of Co Louth save for court appearances or legal consultations.

He was also warned that it was compulsory to sign on daily at a local garda station, and remain contactable by phone.