Man accused of Kinnegad stabbing to be sent for trial

A man is to stand trial over his alleged involvement in an alleged stabbing last year that left another man in hospital with a stomach wound.

Mariusz Malecki (45), The Court, Market Point, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at Mullingar District Court to face an assault causing harm charge at 3 The Green, Bun Daire, Kinnegad, Westmeath on February 4, 2024.

He was also charged with possession of a knife and its production during the course of a dispute.

A jurisdiction hearing was aired before Judge Bernadette Owens to determine if the case should go forward to the Circuit Criminal Court.

The state case was outlined by Sgt Orla Keenan, who said gardaí had been called to the scene approaching 8pm on the day in question. She said it will be alleged that officers came across a man who had sustained a stab wound to his abdomen, an injury he said had been perpetrated by the accused.

When gardaí approached Mr Malecki outside the property, he allegedly handed over the suspected weapon and made an admission as to his involvement in the incident.

Gardaí subsequently arrested Mr Malecki and transferred him to Mullingar Garda Station for an alleged offence under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The injured man was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar for treatment.

Photographs illustrating the knife which gardaí believed had been used in the alleged attack were furnished to the court.

Judge Owens, in deciding jurisdiction, deemed the case to be beyond the judicial functions of the District Court.

Mr Malecki is due to reappear at Mullingar District Court on Thursday May 22, when directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are expected.