David O'Callaghan faces charges after allegedly crashing a van into the gates of Áras an Uachtaráin, the Custom House, and Government Buildings in Dublin last year. He appeared in court and was sent forward for trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A man accused of crashing a van into the gates of Áras an Uachtaráin, the Custom House and Government Buildings in Dublin has been sent forward for trial. A judge heard on Thursday that the bill for damage to granite at the landmark structures could come to a seven-figure sum. David O'Callaghan, 40, of The Fairways, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, allegedly crashed a van into entrances of the three State buildings within 15 minutes in the early hours of August 2 last year.
The following day, Mr O'Callaghan's bail was set at €350 but also required the approval of a €5,000 independent surety, who must lodge €1,500. He later took up bail and appeared again at Dublin District Court on Thursday, when prosecutors served him with a book of evidence. Judge Paula Murphy noted the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment and she agreed to grant a return-for-trial order sending Mr O'Callaghan forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed on March 6. Unemployed Mr O'Callaghan, who has yet to indicate a plea, is accused of offences under the Criminal Damage Act, which can carry a maximum 10-year sentence. He must notify the prosecution if he intends to introduce alibi evidence in his trial, and Gardaí have to provide copies of interview videos to the defence. He spoke briefly to acknowledge that he must continue to obey the bail conditions. Defence counsel Luke O'Higgins, instructed by solicitor Eddie O'Connor, applied for legal aid to include senior counsel representation. He said his client was accused of damaging the gates on 'a very difficult night last summer'. Mr O'Higgins said the damage to the granite involved could amount to a six or potentially seven-figure sum. There was no State objection and Judge Murphy acceded to the request. The accused has yet to enter a plea. His bail terms state that he must not contact any public representative, go to the city centre or Phoenix Park, or post online about the case. The cases involve claims he damaged the entrance gate at Phoenix Gate Lodge, Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. He was further charged with three counts of criminal damage around the houses of the Oireachtas: the main gates of the Department of An Taoiseach, Merrion St Upper, the rear gates of Leinster House, Merrion Square West, and the North Road gate at Government Buildings, Merrion St Upper. He was also accused of damaging the main gates of the Custom House, Dublin 1.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TRIAL IRELAND DUBLIN ARAS AN UCHTARÁIN CUSTOM HOUSE GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man Accused of Assaulting Off-Duty Gardaí in DublinKevin Murphy, 34, has been charged with assault causing harm and robbery after allegedly attacking two off-duty Gardaí in Dublin's Temple Bar. One officer remains in critical condition.
Read more »
Man Jailed for 16 Years for Slashing Faces of Woman and Man in DublinJonathan Cummins, 38, was found guilty of intentionally causing serious harm and assault causing harm after attacking two people in separate incidents in Dublin city centre. He inflicted serious facial scarring on both victims.
Read more »
Dublin Fields Movie Studios Approved in South DublinPlanners have approved plans for the construction of Dublin Fields movie studios in south Dublin, which could create up to 2,800 jobs.
Read more »
Landlord Accused of Exploiting Migrants in DublinAn investigation reveals that controversial Luxembourg landlord Marc Godart uses CCTV cameras in his Dublin rental properties, evicts tenants who object, and employs questionable practices to attract new arrivals.
Read more »
Teenager Accused of Hammer and Hatchet Attack in Dublin FlatA 17-year-old boy appeared in court facing charges of assault causing harm and false imprisonment following an alleged attack on a 37-year-old woman in Dublin last year.
Read more »
Woman denies consensual sexual contact with men accused of rape in DublinThree men, aged between 34 and 42, have pleaded not guilty to a total of seven counts of rape, oral rape and sexual assault of the woman at an unknown location in a car and in a house
Read more »