Man living in tent outside Kildare school gets bail for host of offences
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN who lives in a tent on college grounds in Newbridge was finally given a highly conditional bail, despite initial garda objections last Tuesday.
At Athy District Court, the investigating officer explained that John O’Connor (36), of No Fixed Abode, Newbridge had been arrested at 00.40am that morning in Kildare Garda Station charged with theft, possession of stolen goods, trespass, and possession of implements with which to carry out a burglary.
However, she quickly told Judge Desmond Zaidan that because of a lack of a formal address, she would be objecting to bail unless he could sign a bond of €1,000 with a cash lodgment of €500.
“Are you going to take this up today?” asked the judge.
“I’m homeless,” shrugged the defendant.
The garda explained how Mr O’Connor was searched on 25 June “and he was found in possession of cards stolen from (named individual)”.
Then, on 1 July he was found on a premises in Newbridge Retail Park with a drill bit and implements to use in a burglary.
“Do you believe the man in the dock was involved?” asked the judge.
“Yes, in possession of stolen articles,” she said.
“And he’s homeless?” asked the judge.
“Yes. He resides in a tent in Newbridge, but I don’t know where,” she added.
However, with no solicitor to take up his case at this point, the judge noted: “We are facing into extraordinary circumstances, caught between a rock and a hard place”.
“If I refuse bail in the face of a lack of legal representation, I can be taken to the Supreme Court.
“If the DPP is not going to fight in the corner, it should let the High Court rule on this to be able to refuse bail without legal representation.
“But the DPP hasn’t done that and has thrown in the towel. I’d rather the High Court made a ruling,” said the judge, before letting proceedings stand to allow him to consider a ruling.
When he returned, he decided to grant bail, on a bond of €500, with no lodgment, provide a contactable number, and sign on daily at Newbridge Garda Station between 7am and 7pm.
“In fairness to the garda, she just wants to keep an eye on him,” said the judge.
“The tent is in the grounds of the Patrician College,” said Mr O’Connor.
“Is he allowed to do that? I can’t endorse someone trespassing on school ground, where they might be playing games,” said the judge.
“If I have to move the tent, I have to notify the guards,” conceded Mr O’Connor, who was then bailed to re-appear in Naas District Court on 22 July for mention.
