A man charged with attacking another man who needed "emergency" heart surgery following a suspected stabbing last week has been denied bail.
Oisin Quinn McDonagh, 21, of Castlecross, Castletown Road, Dundalk, Co Louth, was charged with assault causing harm to the male in his home on June 7.
He was brought before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dublin District Court yesterday facing objections to bail.
READ MORE - Dundalk murder: Gardai arrest 'chief suspect' after woman's gruesome killing
Garda Kate Brady voiced witness interference concerns.
It was alleged the injured man "received a single stab wound to the right-hand side of his chest". Paramedics were treating him when gardai arrived and the man was then taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
The contested bail hearing was told the man had to be transferred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for "emergency surgery on the heart".
The court heard he suffered internal bleeding and a laceration to his heart.
Gardai obtained CCTV footage. It was alleged the knife and clothing were discarded following the incident. Garda Brady claimed the suspected stabbing was premeditated and alleged video evidence showed the clothing being bought.
The court heard the alleged injured party lived near McDonagh and the garda feared interference "due to the close proximity of the accused".
The garda accepted the accused had mental health issues but said he was "coherent" during his interview. The garda claimed a "masked individual" carried out the assault. However, it was alleged he was "tracked" on CCTV and he apparently took off the mask.
Appealing for bail, the barrister said his client, who did not address the court, had "profound mental health difficulties" and had been treated in numerous facilities.
Judge Fottrell noted the intimidation concern and refused bail, given the seriousness of the charge and the possibility of witness interference.
He directed medical attention for the accused, granted him legal aid and remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday.
READ NEXT:
- French playground attack sees man stab several young children and one adult
- Man, 20s, arrested after fatal stabbing in Wexford
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here