Bail revoked for man accused of pepper spray attack in McDonald’s

A Polish man, accused of using pepper spray to assault two staff members at McDonald’s fast food restaurant in March, had his bail revoked for breaching a curfew at Galway District Court on Wednesday.

Busker Rafal Smolinski (29), had been told to be at Galway City Hostel, Frenchville Lane, Eyre Square, between 9pm-8am every day, as part of his bail conditions.

However, Garda Paul McNulty gave evidence that the defendant was observed on two separate occasions outside of these hours – busking outside the Treasure Chest at 10.50pm on April 4, and allegedly assaulting someone at Gala, Prospect Hill, in the early hours of May 9.

His legal aid solicitor, Colin Lynch, asked the court to take into account that his client, a saxophone player, had been busking on these occasions to pay his way, and had appeared in court when required. However, Judge Mary Fahy was not convinced.

The defendant, who was assisted by a State-funded Polish interpreter, became very vocal when bail was about to be revoked.

He took the oath and, without any assistance, was able to offer his excuses to the court in near-perfect English.

For details on the rest of this court case, see this week’s Galway City Tribune