A man (28) accused of attacking his sister's boyfriend with a hatchet has been refused bail. Paul Doyle (38) is fighting for his life after being hit in the face at an apartment just off Dorset Street in Dublin in the early hours of yesterday.

Jonathan Donovan of Cherryfield Lawns in Clonsilla is charged with assault causing harm to Mr. Doyle and producing a hatchet as a weapon.

Mr. Doyle has already undergone surgery after being hit several times in the head with an axe. The court heard he is in a critical condition at Beaumont Hospital.

It is alleged the attack happened at around 2am yesterday after a party at Mr. Doyle's apartment on Kelly's Row just off Dorset Street.

Detective Sergeant Fergal Flaherty told the court there was a strong possibility that further charges would be brought in relation to this attack.

The accused was refused bail and is due before Cloverhill District Court later this week.