Man charged with damaging train with axe appears in Kildare court
Photo for illustrative purposes only
DESPITE a barrister wanting a strike-out of the charge of damaging a train with an axe to send a message to the DPP, a judge sided with the prosecution and gave them two more weeks of custody to finalise the charges.
“The garda in this matter has requested two weeks (further remand), the file is not complete,” said Sergeant Ruth Coleman for the state.
She was speaking in the case of Alan Walsh (45), of Ardilaun, Portmarnock, Co Dublin who was appearing in Naas District Court by videolink from remand.
“To be fair, that’s what I have,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.
However, this seemed unsatisfactory for defending barrister Sean Egan.
“I can see no reason why the charges before this court aren’t complete,” he said.
“The allegation is on a train, and there isn’t anywhere with more CCTV,” he said.
“He’s been remanded in custody since because,” said Mr Egan.
It is alleged that on 31 August, Mr Walsh was arrested at Newbridge Railway Station after taking his axe to a window, table, seat and charging port, contrary to section criminal damage.
He is also charged refusal to give his name, giving a false name, possession of a blade, and being drunk in public, all on the same day.
“The DPP in Dublin is on a work to rule, so he only thing is to strike out (the charge) to send a message,” said Mr Egan.
“Did you hear that, Alan?” the judge asked the defendant on screen.
“To be fair, no,” replied Walsh.
“Mr Egan says you have been prejudiced on this, and has asked for the matter to be struck out. He is doing his best,” noted the judge.
“Sergeant, I will err on the side of caution, but two weeks in general is not good enough,” he said.
“I’ll allow it (the requested extension) on this occasion, but in two weeks if you can’t give me a grounded reason I will strike out,” the judge warned.
“On the train, he allegedly took an axe to trash the train table, chair and charging port.
“If ever he is sentenced on these charges, whatever time you’ve spent in prison will be taken into consideration.” “You’ve nearly spent two months inside already,” the judge noted, before remanding him back into custody – for possible the last time – until 22 October.
