'This is not legit': Kildare man kept in custody over signature
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A man who has been behind bars for almost two weeks, will now return there because he refuses to sign the bail bond that would release himself.
Glen Egan (47) originally of St Corban’s Place, Naas appeared on the videolink of the first of the summer sittings in Naas District Court last week facing 14 various public order charges from places around Naas including Lakelands, Woodlands, Canal Bank, and Abbey Bridge between 18 June and 20 July.
He ended up on remand following a bench warrant issued on 27 July when he failed to turn up for a court appearance, but was issued with the simplest of bail conditions – namely his own bond of €100, and conditions that numbered do not come to garda attention, and be of good behaviour.
“So why is he in custody?” asked a visting judge Michael Connellan.
“He refused to sign his bail bond,” Sergeant Dave Hanrahan said.
“I’m confused by what’s going on,” said Mr Egan on the screen.
“This is all for show, it’s not legit,” he added.
“It’s a spectacle, it’s not legit.” The judge replied: “I understand. You had the benefit of a solicitor and a barrister on your last court appearance.” “Ah, come on…,” said Mr Egan.
“Sign the bail bond, or I’ll remand you in custody,” said the judge.
“Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. Wait now!....” Mr Egan began.
“You’ve told me to hold on four times. What would you like to say?” offered Judge Connellan.
“This is not legit…,” Mr Egan began again.
The judge asked the sergeant: “Were there psychiatric reports?” and the sergeant nodded.
“I’ve been harassed, I’ve been abused,” claimed Mr Egan.
“By who?” asked the judge, “The guards,” said Mr Egan.
“It’s very simple. You sign your bail bond you can walk,” said the judge.
“He can sign at any time at the jail?” the judge clarified with the sergeant.
“Yes. All he has to do is ask the governor,” said Sgt Hanrahan, but as Mr Egan continued his protestations, Judge Connellan conclude matters and remanded the defendant back into custody for another week, to re-appear in Naas on 13 August.
“I’m told a psychiatric report is coming?” asked the judge.
“It’s coming,” assured the sergeant, as Mr Egan kept going.
“This court is not legit, not legit…”
