Former boxer for Ireland accused of violent attack

A MAN who once represented Ireland in boxing has been refused bail after he was charged with a serious attack on his partner.

Joseph Dillon, 31, of Shangan Court, Ballymun, appeared before Dublin District Court accused of assault causing harm to the woman, who suffered broken ribs.

He allegedly told her he would rather ‘do time for murder than see her with anyone else’.

The incident happened between November 9 and the following day at his home, the court was told.

Garda Elaine Treanor objected to bail citing the seriousness of the charge, saying that the woman, who had been in relationship with the accused for the past three months, was allegedly thrown against a wall, and that Mr Dillon is alleged to have punched and slapped her on several occasions.

‘The accused previously boxed for Ireland at amateur level, a few years ago,’ Garda Treanor said.

The victim suffered cuts, bruises and fractured ribs.

It was likely there would be further charges, the court heard.

It was alleged that the injured party told gardaí that the accused had threatened her, saying ‘he would rather do time for murder than see her with anyone else’.

Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said his client has stated the woman was running at him and he pushed her into the wall when she was attempting to attack him.

The garda said the accused said he bashed her against the wall and that ‘maybe I did throw one or two of my fists’. It was also alleged that the woman was grabbed by her hair and, the garda alleged, that the woman was not allowed to leave Mr Dillon’s apartment.

Mr Hanahoe said his client would abide by bail terms and he argued it was not likely that he would bump into the complainant, who lives in Finglas. He would agree to stay away from her, would abide by a curfew, and sign on at a Garda station, the solicitor suggested.

Judge Dermot Simms refused bail and remanded him in custody to appear next week at Cloverhill District Court.

He has not yet indicated how he will plead and made no reply when charged, the court heard.