Man accused of trespass at U2 drummer’s home remanded on bail

A man accused of trespassing at the home of U2 drummer Larry Mullen has been remanded on bail pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gerard O'Neill (31), of Orchid House, James Street, Dublin 8, faces two charges connected with the alleged incident last month and appeared at Cloverhill District Court today.

Mr O’Neill is accused of trespassing on lands around a building at Claremont Lodge, Claremont Road, Howth in such a manner as to cause fear in another person, on October 19th. This alleged offence is contrary to Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

He faces another charge under Section nine of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act for possessing a golf club on the same date with intent to unlawfully cause injury or to intimidate two gardaí in the course of their duty.

Mr O’ Neill, who is on bail, appeared in court in a green raincoat and tracksuit bottoms for the short hearing. He stood silently throughout the proceedings and has not yet entered a plea to the charges.

It was his third court appearance after he was originally charged on October 20th.

When his case resumed today, State solicitor Karen Wilson said the prosecution was waiting on directions from the DPP.

In reply, defence solicitor Jenny McGeever told Judge John Lindsay that she was awaiting disclosure of prosecution evidence and she said she was consenting to an eight-week adjournment.

Judge Lindsay agreed to grant the State further time to get directions from the DPP and remanded Mr O’Neill on continuing bail pending his next court appearance in January.

A decision has yet to be made as to whether his trial will be dealt with at district court level or instead be sent forward to the circuit court which, on conviction, has wider sentencing powers.