'Early arrest is good progress..'

Son of tourist left in coma after alleged street assault welcomes charge for suspect

- PAUL HEALY

THE son of a US tourist left in a coma after an alleged vicious assault said a suspect being charged is “good progress”. 

Mike Rizzuto was speaking after a Garda spokesman yesterday confirmed a 14-year-old boy had appeared before a special sitting of the Children’s Court in connection with the alleged attack on Stephen Termini in Talbot Street, Dublin, last week.

The Irish Mirror has established the defendant, who cannot be named because of his age, was charged with Section Three Assault causing harm – and will appear in court again on Thursday.

Speaking exclusively to the Irish Mirror from the US, Mr Rizzuto said he welcomed the development in the case – and added he and his brother Jesse hope to travel to Ireland as early as tomorrow to be by their father’s hospital bedside.

He added: “It’s great progress. It’s nice to see that stuff is getting done. So that’s good news.

“I’m still remaining hopeful. Hopefully this will end on a good note.

“The fundraiser is doing extremely well and tomorrow morning we’re going to get passports and we’re getting that expedited with the help of the embassy.

“So we should be heading over there as soon as possible.”