Wexford man denied bail after allegedly driving into patrol car at garda station
Wexford PeopleA Wexford man who allegedly drove into a garda patrol van at Wexford Garda Station last week remains in custody following a bail application at Gorey District Court.
The court heard that Vincent Murphy (34), of Main Street, Taghmon, Co Wexford, committed the alleged offence on Tuesday September 2 after hearing a news report about calls to remove Tricolour flags which had been put up on Dublin lamp-posts. Sergeant Stephen Ennis told the court that the damage caused to the vehicles was estimated at €10,000.
Detective Garda Leonard Casey gave evidence that on the day in question two members of An Garda Síochána witnessed a male driving to the rear of Wexford Garda Station. It is alleged that when the gates opened, the man drove the vehicle at a patrol van a number of times causing the extensive damage. Detective Garda Casey stated that when Murphy was subsequently interviewed he was not at all remorseful and continuously stated “I’d do it again and again.”
Andrew Bolger BL, instructed by Timothy Cummings solicitor, made an application for bail on behalf of Murphy, which was objected to by An Garda Síochána.
Mr Bolger BL told the court that Murphy will be in custody awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which may take some time. He advised the court that the accused had spent some time in psychiatric care and on the night previous to the offence being committed had been in A&E of Wexford General Hospital awaiting assessment but had left due to the long waiting time.
The barrister also outlined to the court that Murphy would be willing to give an undertaking, if granted bail, that he does not drive a car, signs on at a Garda Station twice weekly, and that his brother, Seamus Murphy, would be willing to bring him to any medical appointments.
Seamus Murphy was sworn in and confirmed he could take his brother to any medical appointments. Mr. Murphy said this as an out-of-character event for his brother, caused by a change in medication.
Judge John Cheatle queried if the accused is capable of giving instructions, to which Mr. Bolger BL confirmed he is, however the defendant had also stated to the barrister in consultation that he would do it again.
Judge Cheatle refused bail on this occasion but ordered Murphy to undergo a psychiatric assessment while in custody. Once the accused has stabilised, another application for bail may be made.
DPP directions are still awaited in this case which is now adjourned to September 22.