Ian John Ryan accused of Pyrmont punch attack on man, poodle dog

A young dad of twins is alleged to have hurled racist insults at a dog walker before punching him and his pet poodle, Zico. However, he was acting in self defence, a court heard.

Toy poodle Zico, who was allegedly kicked during an attack on his owner in Pyrmont last Friday. Picture: Facebook

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The alleged attacker who is accused of bashing a man and his pooch on a CBD street has claimed he acted in self-defence, despite a court hearing he allegedly hurled racial slurs at the man and threatened to kill him.

Ian John Ryan 34, sat quietly in the cells at the Surry Hills Police station as he was beamed into the Central Local Court on Tuesday morning.

During his bail application, Ryan’s solicitor submitted he would be claiming he was defending himself late on Friday April 24 after the man “jumped out at him from the bushes” on the corner of Allen and Harris Sts, Pyrmont.

Ryan, a new father to twins, works in a Woolworth warehouse and is the sole provider for his young family.

Police allege the poodle and its owner were walking along Allen St when the Ryan called him over and began yelling abuse at him.

Seung Won Kang and his toy poodle Zico, who were allegedly attacked in Pyrmont. Picture: 10 News First

He then allegedly punched the dog owner and the toy poodle – named Zico – as they attempted to walk away.

The court heard bystanders were forced to step in when the melee started, with Ryan allegedly saying “oi c*** come back here I’m going to give you a hiding and smash you with this (referring to a bottle)”.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Sayed Geha told the court Ryan presented a risk to the community as he was already serving out an intensive corrections order for a reckless wounding conviction when he allegedly punched the Asian man to the head and kicked Zico.

“It was an unprovoked attack which started when (Ryan) made racial remarks to the victim in the matter,” Sgt Geha told the court.

Ryan will plead not guilty to all five charges against him.

Magistrate Alex Mijovich denied Ryan bail saying there were “grave concerns the offending behaviour would continue”.

“People are entitled to exercise and not to be abused and assaulted,” he said.

His case was adjourned to be heard in the Downing Centre Local Court in July.

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