Man charged with attacking garda and colleague's car appears in Kildare court
A MAN who allegedly punched one garda and did over €1,200 damage to another garda’s private car will have to return to court in April to make a decision in which court he would like his case to be heard.
Stephen Alexander (35) with an address on Abbey Road, Navan, Co Meath was appearing in Athy District Court this week (27 October) on foot of a bench warrant following his failure to appear in the court on 14 July.
“I was in hospital that day,” he told the court, which was accepted.
Sergeant Ruth Coleman then informed the court of the allegations, a charge of criminal damage, and a Section 19 breach of the Public Order Act – which specifies an assault on gardaí and first responders.
“On 5 July, Sergeant Richard Gamble was driving through (Athy) town when he encountered the defendant standing in the middle of the road,” she began.
“He wouldn’t move, then allegedly kicked the side doors of the car and did a total of €1,264 worth of damage”.
“Was this a squad car?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“No, it was the member’s own car,” said Sgt Coleman.
“Then when arrested and brought to Athy Garda Station he became highly aggressive and punched Garda Darren Hogan in the jaw, causing a significant injury”.
Mr Alexander then declined local representation, telling the court, “I have a Navan solicitor, but he’s on strike”.
Accepting this, Judge Zaidan remanded the defendant on continuing bail until 13 April “for election, when you can decide whether you want to be tried by me, or a jury in Naas Circuit Court”.
This means that the judge is giving the defendant time to decide if he wants to enter a guilty plea and have his case heard in the district court - as the DPP has indicated – or elect for a not guilty plea, which could prompt the judge to refuse jurisdiction and send him for trial in the higher court.
