A 34-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the attempted murder of a west Dublin mother who suffered severe burns in an attack at her home last November.
Alexis Campion, 44, sustained life-changing burns to her face and body during the incident at her home in Oak Downs, Clondalkin, on November 25. The court heard that she was left in a coma for weeks and remains in hospital.
Paul Brannigan, of Lealand Drive, Clondalkin, appeared before Dublin District Court charged with the attempted murder of Ms Campion, contrary to common law, and with assault causing harm to a named male at the same property on the same date.
Mr Brannigan appeared alongside two co-defendants before Judge John Hughes.
Garda Danielle O'Sullivan gave evidence that Mr Brannigan made no reply when charged.
The court heard that he was automatically remanded in custody because the District Court has no jurisdiction to consider bail on an attempted murder charge, which requires an application to the High Court.
Dressed in a black T-shirt, grey pants and sliders, Mr Brannigan sat silently throughout the hearing and did not indicate a plea.
His solicitor, Carol Slattery, said that he was not working and was a suitable candidate for legal aid, which was granted.
Co-defendants Nathan Dolan, 18, of Monastery Gate Avenue, Clondalkin, and Keith McCabe, 41, of Thornfield Square, Clondalkin, were charged with connected offences, namely making threats to kill Ms Campion and the male complainant, and extortion by demanding money with menaces from them on November 25.
Garda Shane O'Brien told the court that Mr McCabe also made no reply when charged with four offences. Judge Hughes noted that there were objections to his bail, while his solicitor, Michael Hennessy, said that Mr McCabe intended to seek bail at his next scheduled hearing.
Legal aid was granted to Mr McCabe, and the court agreed to request medical treatment for him while in custody.
Garda Charles McPartland told the court that Mr Dolan also made no reply when charged. His solicitor said there was no bail application at that stage. Legal aid was granted.
The court heard that Mr Brannigan and Mr McCabe are due to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Wednesday, while Mr Dolan is due to appear there on Tuesday. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were not yet available.
Detectives arrested the three accused on Tuesday and detained them at Clondalkin and Ronanstown garda stations for questioning under section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007.
They were charged on Friday evening and held pending the court hearing.
The court also heard that multiple properties were searched in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas. A family liaison officer has been appointed to keep Ms Campion and her family updated on the ongoing investigation.
Gardaí have continued to appeal for information and have asked that anyone with relevant footage, including dash-cam material, make it available to the investigation team.