CHARGES HAVE been dropped against the French waiter who was arrested for trying to pelt France's president Nicolas Sarkozy with eggs on his arrival at Government Buildings in Dublin on July 21st.
Michael Audran (35), Drumderg, Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, earlier pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to engaging in threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour contrary to the Public Order Act, at Merrion Street, Dublin, during Mr Sarkozy's one-day visit.
Mr Sarkozy was in Ireland to meet politicians and lobby groups to address concerns over the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Audran, who has been living in Ireland for about three years, was brought to court that day where he was ordered to pay €150 to the Fr Peter McVerry Trust in lieu of a conviction as well as a €300 fine with three months to pay and five days' jail in default.
Yesterday Mr Audran, who is originally from Brittany, handed over the money in court.
Judge Cormac Dunne said: "Thank you for your donation, the matter is completed", as he struck out the charge.
Garda Sgt Paul Tallon of Harcourt Terrace said at the earlier hearing that Mr Audran made no reply when he was charged.
He told the court there was a security cordon set up at Government Buildings as the French president arrived.
"He attempted to break through and throw eggs. He managed to throw one which missed the car."
The court was told Mr Audran had no previous convictions and was willing to make a contribution to charity.
He was granted bail at his first court appearance with a condition banning him from "any building in which the French president is located" for the duration of his visit.
Outside court yesterday Mr Audran was in buoyant form and said: "I think Irish justice has been very kind.
"I know that in France it would have been six months in jail and a €7,500 fine," he claimed.
However, Mr Audran went on to brand Mr Sarkozy a "dictator" and said that if the French president returned to Ireland, "I'll be waiting".
"He is a dictator, he tries to control everything, I don't want him to control Ireland," he said, smiling.