Man charged over armed standoff

A man at the centre of six-hour standoff with gardaí in Waterford city last Tuesday appeared in court today on charges of threatening…

A man at the centre of six-hour standoff with gardaí in Waterford city last Tuesday appeared in court today on charges of threatening to kill a Garda sergeant

Father-of-three Michael Costigan (34), from 22 Clarendon Court in Penrose Lane, was arrested on Tuesday evening after spending several hours on top of the apartment block at Clarendon Close, brandishing a replica firearm.

Large numbers of gardaí including trained negotiators and armed support units were called to the address on Tuesday shortly after 5.30pm, after the accused allegedly barricaded himself into an apartment before making his way to the roof where a standoff with gardaí ensued.

Mr Costigan was eventually arrested by gardaí shortly after 11.15pm and taken to Waterford Garda station.

He appeared at Waterford District Court today on a charge of threatening to kill a Garda sergeant.

Gda Joe Wyse, giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, said that Mr Costigan “made no reply” when informed of the charge.

Solicitor for the accused Kenneth Cunningham today told Judge David Kennedy that his client had been admitted to the Department of Psychiatry at Waterford Regional Hospital.

He was released on his own bail of €500 and must appear at the court again on July 12th.

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