A defendant who caused the collapse of his trial on serious drugs charges earlier this week by speaking to a juror has to remain in custody pending his new trial next October.
Mr Declan Griffin (29), formerly of Bunratty Road, Coolock and with a current address in Greenfort Estate, Clondalkin, was refused bail by Judge Dominic Lynch after Garda objections.
Judge Lynch was told that some days before the aborted trial began Mr Griffin approached a detective sergeant at his home after phoning and asking to meet him. Judge Lynch discharged the jury on Wednesday after being told that a woman felt intimidated when Mr Griffin approached her outside a shop on Tuesday.
Det Supt Anthony Sourke said he "strenuously opposed bail" for the defendant arising from his observations and the company he was keeping.
Mr Griffin has pleaded not guilty to six charges of possession of heroin and ecstasy for sale and supply and importing heroin and ecstasy at Dublin Airport on December 20th, 1995.
The jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told by Mr Denis Vaughan Buckley SC prosecuting, when the aborted trial opened last Monday that the drugs had a street value of some £1m in 1995 but would now be valued at £500,000. Garda Oliver Cully told Judge Lynch a juror told him on Wednesday before the trial resumed that at some stage on Tuesday the defendant had approached her outside a supermarket.
Det Sgt Denis Palmer said he was approached by Mr Griffin outside his home last Saturday. He didn't feel intimidated personally but was concerned for his family.
Judge Lynch said it appeared to him that Garda objections to bail were well-founded so Mr Griffin must remain in custody pending his trial.