A man, identified as a scaffolder, is facing allegations of inflicting substantial harm leading to the death of another man who suffered a severe head injury and was left unattended on a sofa in a property in Lucan, Dublin. Specifically, the accused 33-year-old, Tomas Cypas, was denied bail during his appearance before Judge Mark O’Connell at the Blanchardstown District Court on Wednesday.
Late Mr Juris Kokenbergs, a 49-year-old native of Latvia, was discovered dead in a house at Old Bridge Park, precipitating the deployment of law enforcement to the scene. Cypas was subsequently arrested and transported to the Lucan Garda Station where he was charged with intentionally or recklessly causing severe harm to Kokenbergs between 26th and 28th October.
Cypas, hailing from Lithuania but an Ireland resident for over two decades with a registered address on Foxborough Road, Lucan, has been detained by Judge O’Connell until his court appearance at Cloverhill District Court on 5th November. Detective Garda Neil McGrath informed the judge that the DPP is assembling a file, suggesting a heightened charge is likely.
Consequently, Cypas, a father to one child, did not speak during the court session. Detective Garda McGrath denied bail due to flight risk and the severity of the charges, which could potentially result in a life sentence. Reportedly, in the late hours of 26th October, an altercation arose whilst the two men were consuming alcohol, resulting in serious head and facial injuries for Kokenbergs. Evidence suggests he was assaulted, sustaining internal and external injuries from punches, kicks and stomping on his head.
The assertion was made that he fell unconscious and was laid on a kitchen sofa, only to be discovered lifeless on the floor adjacent to the settee the following day. Detective Officer McGrath revealed that Dublin’s Fire Brigade was alerted through a 999 call, which led them to inform the local law enforcement.
During the bail plea, it was disclosed that the initial post-mortem showed that Mr Kokenbergs endured heavy impact traumas, substantial brain damage, swelling, and severe blood loss.
Upon interrogation, the defendant confessed to positioning the victim on the settee, Detective Officer McGrath informed. The police officer stated that due to the severity of the charges, which could lead to a life imprisonment, the suspect had a strong incentive to abscond.
He also pointed out that no medical attention was sought for the deceased, Mr Kokenbergs until postmortem. Moreover, it was alleged by the detective that the crime scene and Mr Kokenbergs’ body were “cleansed”.
But when cross-examined by defence attorney Roy O’Neill, he conceded that the defendant was both respectful and mannerly during the investigation. Nonetheless, Officer McGrath noted discrepancies between the defendant’s statement and the evidence collected by the police. Despite the argument about bail conditions, the officer maintained his apprehension.
The court was made aware that the accused’s mother and former partner were present at the plea hearing and a €3,000 independent surety was proposed.
Defence lawyer O’Neill highlighted that his client and the victim had a friendship. He appealed to the judge by emphasising Mr Cypas’s longstanding residence and established life in Ireland, his stable job and dependents, his willingness not to flee, and his claim that his actions were in self-defence. He additionally noted that the investigation was still in the nascent stages.
Despite mindful of the defence’s arguments and acknowledging the defendant’s right to presume innocence, Judge O’Connell rejected his request for bail. Legal aid was subsequently approved.