A man in his 20s has been charged with criminal damage by writing the word ‘rat’ under the name of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in a book of condolence at Blanchardstown garda station.
Jason Hennessy (23) from Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown, Dublin, was also charged with violent conduct at the Garda station.
He appeared before Judge Gerard Jones at Blanchardstown District Court yesterday.
Sergeant Alan Lynch told Judge Jones that at 12.15pm on Friday he was made aware that two men were at the book and it had been tampered with.
The book had been left at the public counter for people to sign and was due to be presented to the Horkan family.
When the book was examined, it was seen that the word ‘rat’ had been written under Det-Gda Horkan’s name and the station stamp had been used to stamp the front of it.
He said that when CCTV was reviewed Mr Hennessy could be seen to be at the book using the stamp, and while it could not be seen what he had written he could be observed taking a photograph of it with his mobile phone.
Sgt Lynch said Mr Hennessy’s phone has been seized for examination.
No plea was entered and Mr Hennessy’s solicitor Simon Fleming applied for bail. This was objected to by Sgt Lynch, and Judge Jones refused bail.
Addressing the court, Judge Jones said he was “appalled” at the alleged behaviour.
“Under no circumstances am I entertaining bail for one minute. It’s most serious for you and your deceased colleague,” he told Sgt Lynch.
Mr Hennessy was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court today when a date is expected to be set for a High Court bail application.
Irish Independent
