Man on protest charge back in prison

The man arrested on Christmas Eve for allegedly placing placards outside the home of RTÉ broadcaster Pat Kenny has been returned…

The man arrested on Christmas Eve for allegedly placing placards outside the home of RTÉ broadcaster Pat Kenny has been returned to Cloverhill Prison for breaching his conditions of bail.

Paul Stokes (52), Montpellier Parade, Monkstown, Co Dublin, was due to appear at the court yesterday in connection with a charge of criminal damage arising from an incident when it is alleged Mr Stokes drove his car at the revolving door of the reception area of the main door of RTÉ after a live programme had just finished, and members of the audience were making their way home.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has yet to make a decision as to whether the criminal damage charge should be dealt with summarily or by way of indictment. However, yesterday the court decided Mr Stokes had breached his bail conditions on Christmas Eve.

Mr Stokes was given compassionate bail last Thursday to look after his sick mother, who recently had a heart attack. The six-minute phone calls he is allowed to make from the prison is not enough to give her the care she needs, he said in evidence last week.

The case was put back for hearing again next Monday.

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