The case appeared before Athlone District Court.
A man accused of slicing another man's nose open during a 'unprovoked' attack in the middle of a Westmeath town has been granted bail, according to the Irish Independent.
29 year old John O'Neill with an address at Battery Heights, Athlone Co. Westmeath appeared before Athlone District Court charged with assault causing harm, possession of a hatchet and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour.
Mr O'Neill was not represented in court due to the ongoing criminal legal aid dispute and opted to represent himself.
The incident allegedly took place in the town at Patrick's Terrace, Bellaugh on September 28th at around 6:30 in the evening when the alleged victim was approached by a man in a balclava.
The man, speaking through a Ukranian interpreter, told the court he dodged the first blow for his forehead and tried to reason with him but was met with shouts and a hit to his nose.
He managed to grab the axe and get back to his home, and says he spent the next three days in hospital where he received seven stitches to the wound.
The court was also informed of garda objections to bail based on the seriousness of the charges, and concerns a key witness could be interfered with.
Gardaí said partial CCTV footage of the incident had been discovered and along with a number of weapons close to the alleged crime scene.
The judge set Mr O'Neill a number of bail conditions, including a 9pm to 7am curfew and remanded him on bail to a sitting on November 4th,before Mr O'Neill walked out of court.
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