A 66-year-old Dublin man charged with damaging the wooden front gate of Trinity College Dublin has had an additional charge of endangerment of life brought against him.
John Farrell, from Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, was charged with 21 offences including allegations of criminal damage, endangerment of life, dangerous driving and hit-and-run, in connection with the incident.
A new charge of endangerment of life at Trinity College, on April 2nd, was put to him at Dublin District Court.
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Garda Anthony Brazil told Judge Michael Walsh the accused had “nothing to say” when this new charge was put to him.
State solicitor Ronan O’Brien asked for existing bail to be extended to the new charge and he added that the DPP has directed that the accused should face “trial on indictment”. This means his case will be dealt with at Circuit Court level.
The DPP had already given the same direction in relation to all the other charges.
The prosecution sought a five-week adjournment for the book of evidence to be completed.
Judge Walsh remanded the accused, who did not address the court, on bail to appear again on January 7th.
Judge Walsh granted legal aid to Mr Farrell noting he is not working and had no other source of income.
Mr Farrell’s barrister told the judge the accused has not been able to obtain a pension and is being assisted by neighbours and relatives.
Mr Farrell has not yet indicated how he intends to plead.
One of his charges is for causing €43,816 worth of damages to front wooden gate at Trinity College Dublin (TCD). He is also accused of causing about €18,000 worth of damage to other property in TCD and to vehicles on nearby streets.
The offences are alleged to have occurred at Trinity College, Dawson Street, College Green and Nassau Street.