Man accused of attacking judge is granted bail

A man accused of attacking a judge following a court hearing in Dublin has been granted bail on condition he signs on twice daily at a garda station.

The 31-year-old is accused of attacking Judge Miriam Walsh, who was hospitalised after she was allegedly punched and kicked following a district court hearing on December 11th last.

Dublin District Court heard on Tuesday that bail has been be taken up by the accused who had been remanded in custody at an earlier stage. It was the man’s fifth appearance since being charged.

Garda Sergeant Niall Gillooly told Judge John Cheatle that directions from the DPP need to be obtained. The accused, who took up bail on December 29th, sat silently as the court heard that the investigation file has been sent to the office of the DPP and progress would be expected in five weeks.

Garda Sergeant Gillooly objected to an application by the defence to amend the signing-on requirement imposed on the defendant as a condition of bail. He said that it had been one of the reasons why bail had been granted.

Judge Cheatle said he would not interfere with the existing conditions and adjourned the case until March. Directions from the DPP are required to help determine if the case should be dealt with in the jurisdiction of the District Court or instead should go forward to the Circuit Court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

The defendant, who has not yet entered a plea, was remanded on continuing bail.