Knifeman tazed by gardaí appears at Kildare court

A man who had to be tazed after the Garda Armed Response Unit (ARU) was called to his house following an alleged knife-wielding rampage with his wife and daughters still in the home will have to spend another two weeks in custody.

Dariusz Bruzdewicz (37) appeared in Naas District Court by videolink from custody, where he as been since his apprehension at the family home at Landwill Park, Kilcock on 21 January.

Sergeant Dave Hanrahan told Judge Desmond Zaidan that the case was in for (DPP’s) direction.

He appealed to the court for four weeks’ (voluntary) remand, but would accept two weeks’ (statutory) remand instead.

“What are the allegations?” asked the judge.

Eight-inch knife

“He was in possession of an eight-inch kitchen knife and wouldn’t put it down when told,” said the sergeant.

“With two girls in the house? This is a serious allegation. The ARU was called and this man had to be tazed?” asked an incredulous judge.

“Correct. Gardaí had to break into the house to arrest this man,” said the sergeant.

“With an eight-inch knife?” asked the judge.

“He said they didn’t break in, he opened the door for them,” said the court’s Polish translator.

Defending solicitor David Powderly said that his client had no previous convictions and would not consent to a four-week remand as sought by the state.

“He said he is the main provider for his family,” said the solicitor.

“To be fair, he made that clear on the first day (22 January),” noted the judge.

“The last time, he had a conversation with his wife and she wasn’t in fear of him in the company of the guards,” said Mr Powderly.

“A previous bail condition was to stay from the house, but he wasn’t willing to comply,” added Mr Powderly.

“He appreciates what happened, but says he is not a violent man,” said the translator.

“He had taken intoxicants, so I’m worried about next time when no one’s about,” said the judge.

He remanded Mr Bruzdewicz back into custody until 20 February.