Kerry man found trespassing in shed with a knife, court hears

By Anna Zacharias, The Kerryman

Gardaí arrested a man for trespassing and possession of a knife after he was found ‘sitting on pillows’ in a garden shed on Thursday morning in Tralee, a court heard.

Cahersiveen District Court heard that Blake Sweeney (27) of Connolly Park, Tralee, was found at approximately 9.30am on September 11 at Carigeendaniel Estate in Caherslee, Tralee.

A garda told the court that a neighbour observed Mr Sweeney enter the shed.

“He had taken some cushions down for himself,” said the garda.

The garda alleged that a knife, described as a two-inch hunting or fishing knife, was found on his person.

Gardaí established Mr Sweeney had no intention to commit further offences and charged him with trespassing.

They took him to Tralee Garda Station and transported him to Cahersiveen later that day for an immediate bail hearing.

Gardaí objected to bail, noting Mr Sweeney was known to be of no fixed residence and that “he is not welcome at any address in Tralee and has no ties in the area”.

Solicitor Brendan Ahern noted Mr Sweeney was not aggressive in any manner when approached.

Mr Sweeney asked to take the stand and told the court he slept in Castleisland the night before.

“I’ve been walking the last three days,” he said.

His lack of abode increased the likelihood of flight risk, Sgt Stephen O’Brien told the court.

“You just decided to stay at someone else’s abode without asking them, and with a knife,” said Sgt Stephen O’Brien.

“It’s not necessarily like that,” said Mr Sweeney.

“It’s the State’s belief that if you’re granted bail, you’re going to commit offences,” said Judge John King.

“No, ‘course not,” Mr Sweeney replied.

He expressed concern that gardaí had taken his phone.

“I’ve asked him to ring my mother this morning,” he said. “I’ve asked him to ring my father this morning. I’ve asked him to ring my auntie this morning. And nobody’s ringing no one.”

Judge King refused bail and requested Mr Sweeney receive a psychiatric assessment.

“The court is not satisfied that the O’Callaghan threshold is met,” he said.

Mr Sweeney will remain in custody and appear before court in Tralee on September 17 by video link.