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A Canadian man in his 40s is fighting for his life after he was left in serious condition following an alleged unprovoked attack by a Romanian national in Dublin.
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Cops say the unidentified victim — whose hometown is also not known — remains unresponsive in the Mater Hospital.
If the man’s condition worsens — or he dies — the charges could be upgraded to murder.
Gardai Det. Sgt. Sean McCarthy told District Court President Judge Paul Kelly that around 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, the accused was hanging around Cathal Brugha St. with friends when he was approached by the victim.
McCarthy told the court the pair had never met but “engaged in conversation.”
Suddenly, Madalin Ghiuzan, 23, allegedly struck the victim several times, knocking him to the ground.
The unnamed Canadian then “struggled with getting himself onto his feet,” and made his way to near the Spire on O’Connell St., around 400 metres away.
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There, he allegedly had another interaction with Ghiuzan and his buddies. The attack was reportedly captured on CCTV.
McCarthy said Ghiuzan “pushed and punched” the man to the ground and the tourist eventually lost consciousness. He remains unresponsive in the ICU and his condition is described as “serious at present.”
Ghiuzan — who has lived in Ireland for the past five years — is slated to be in court on Friday. On Monday, he was refused bail as he listened in with the help of an interpreter.
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He has yet to enter a plea but is being kept on ice due to the serious nature of the attack and fears he will flee to Eastern Europe if given the chance.
The accused lives with a family member, McCarthy said, adding that he does not pay rent or a mortgage, doesn’t appear to work and “has no significant ties” to Ireland.
His current charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Ghiuzan claims he was acting in self-defence. Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses in the incident with investigations ongoing.
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