Knife-wielding man allegedly threatened to kill strangers in Newbridge
Photo for illustrative purposes only
Naas District Court was hearing the latest update in the case of a man who is accused of running around Edward Street and Moorefield Road on 13 November 2023, when he is alleged to have threatened a woman by brandishing a knife in her face and saying “I will end your motherhood”, and threatening a man, saying “you’re ugly, I’ll stab you”.
Despite the apparent seriousness of the allegations, investigating officer Garda Stephen Potter told the court that the director of public prosecutions had ruled for ‘summary disposal’, indicating the case should be heard in the district court rather than by jury in the circuit court.
“There may be psychiatric issues,” said Garda Potter. It was because of these that the judge reluctantly granted the defence reporting restrictions on the case at a previous hearing.
“The family are crying out for help, and always felt something like this would happen,” said defending solicitor Joe Coonan. Sergeant Mary Meade then told the court that the DPP had also advised dropping the public order charges to focus on the threats to kill and possession of the knife.
“Please don’t tell me the DPP is going to split the charges up?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“No judge, it’s just the old charge sheets that are withdrawn,” explained Sgt Meade.
Mr Coonan conceded that his client was a no-show, but said he had other matters before the court on 24 April and suggested an adjournment until then. “The defendant has refused any treatment to date,” said Mr Coonan.
“How did you disable him?” the judge asked Garda Potter.
“We had received numerous calls from the public, and when we got there he ran away, throwing away the knife,” said Garda Potter.
“Before you rugby tackled him?” guessed the judge, which Garda Potter confirmed.
“In Athy [at a previous hearing], he said the knife was for his own safety; unfortunately, he is not very well,” said Garda Potter.
“He should be in a hospital setting, not out walking the streets,” said the judge.
“That’s his family’s position,” agreed Mr Coonan.
“I want a full psychiatric report by 24 April, and I will rule then on his fitness for trial,” declared Judge Zaidan.
“His estranged father was to bring him to court this morning but my client refused,” said Mr Coonan.
At this point, Garda Potter said he would seek a bench warrant for the no-show, but when Mr Coonan begged him not to, Garda Potter relented, thereby prompting Mr Coonan’s effusive declaration of gratitude.
“I note what you say, Mr Coonan,” said the judge.
“You asked last year for psychiatric treatment, and I wrote down ‘not well’ here on the charge sheet,” he said. “Now both sides are singing from the same hymn sheet, otherwise this case could easily end in tragedy.”
