Congolese man accused of threatening hotel staff with knife granted bail

Gardai arrived and were told the accused produced a knife at hotel workers before making threats he would "leave blood on the floor”

A homeless man, who allegedly threatened staff at his hotel accommodation while armed with a knife, has been granted bail with strict conditions.

Kadima Mbuye, 51, an asylum seeker from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but living in Ireland for the past seven years, appeared at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Mr Mbuye, who is of no fixed abode, was arrested following an incident at a Travelodge Hotel in Ballymun, Dublin on Friday afternoon.

He was charged with possessing a sharp knife as an offensive weapon.

Judge Treasa Kelly noted there was a Garda objection to bail. It was alleged that staff at the hotel, where Mr Mbuye had lived in recent months, activated a panic alarm.

Gardai arrived and were told the accused produced a knife at hotel workers before making threats he would "leave blood on the floor”.

Kadima Mbuye (51), of no fixed abode, leaving Dublin District Court. PIC: Conor Ó Mearáin

The court heard there was CCTV evidence and the accused was no longer welcome to stay at the hotel which has been providing accommodation for the homeless.

The court heard he told gardai he intended to return to his home country.

There was also concern for the hotel staff.

Defence solicitor Tony Collier said there were concerns over his client’s mental health and did not have the resources to leave the country.

He had lived for several years in an asylum centre in Kerry and came to Dublin five months ago, the court heard.

He is in discussion with the Department of Justice in relation to voluntary repatriation. It was a complex and lengthy process, Mr Colliers said, arguing that his client was not a flight risk.

Judge Kelly set bail in his own bond of €100 and ordered him to sign on twice a day at a Garda station in Dublin city-centre.

He was warned he must not have any contact with staff from the hotel and that he must appear again in September. Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are being sought in relation to possible further charges in connection with the incident, Judge Kelly was told.

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