A recent stabbing at Dublin Airport was "a cry for help" from a man "driven to despair" after being made homeless, a court has heard. 

Kasonga Mbuyi, aged 51, was charged with assault, unlawful possession of a penknife as a weapon, and carrying an article with intent to cause harm outside the departures lounge at Terminal 1 on September 17. 

Mr Mbuyi appeared before the Dublin District Court and was refused bail. 

The court heard Mr Mbuyi, an Irish citizen, lived in Limerick since 2003 and sought social welfare assistance after becoming homeless. 

Detective Garda Cathal Connolly told the court a German national was standing alone outside Dublin Airport when the “random knife attack” happened, allegedly perpetrated by Mr Mbuyi. 

The detective claimed Mr Mbuyi made no attempt to conceal his identity and told the man, "I'm going to kill you", before attacking and stabbing him to the left side of his body. 

The court heard that the German suffered eight wounds to his left arm and body, requiring 12 stitches, and he has been discharged from hospital. 

'Cry for help'

Mr Connolly said Mr Mbuyi did not object to the assault charge but said, “I was looking for help”. 

Defence Solicitor Tracy Horan told the court Mr Mbuyi was recently lost his rented Limerick home, where he lived for seven years.

The solicitor said her client had sought assistance, but none was available, and the incident "was a cry for help". 

She was Mr Mbuyi was “driven to despair”, which the Garda witness at Dublin Airport agreed with. 

A file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions with a recommendation that he face trial on indictment at a higher level, which can impose sentences of up to five years for the offences. 

Reporting by Tom Tuite.