The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
A man alleged to have thrown a cup of urine at a Garda’s face has been further remanded in custody.
Joel Lonia (32), of no fixe abode, made his second appearance at Ennis district court this Wednesday, December 14.
Lonia is facing two charges of assaulting two gardaí at Ennis Garda station on December 11, contrary to section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against The Person Act.
He is charged with the theft of clothes and hiking boots from Penneys, Francis Street, Ennis, also on December 11.
He is further charged with engaging in behaviour or using words with intent to provoke breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned.
That offence relates to an incident at the Templegate Hotel, Ennis on December 11.
Sergeant Aiden Lonergan said the state required further time to determine how the case against the accused is to proceed.
Judge Mary Larkin remanded Lonia in custody to appear again in court, via video link, on December 21.
Lonia was was brought before a sitting of Ennis district court on Monday following his arrest in Ennis on Sunday. He was represented by solicitor Daragh Hassett. Lonia’s application for bail was opposed by the State.
Garda Sebastian Pychynski of Ennis Garda station outlined the objections to bail, which included the nature and strength the evidence and the seriousness of the charges.
Garda Pychynski told the court that a file is being prepared for the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and further charges may be brought against the accused.
The garda said it will be alleged that while in custody, Lonia threw a cup of coke in the face of a garda.
Garda Pychynski said it will be further alleged that when a garda opened the cell hatch to check on the accused later that night, “he received a cup of urine in the face”.
After listening to the garda’s evidence, Lonia said, “I want to apologise for my behaviour”.
He continued, “I have no home. I have been sleeping outside”.
Sergeant Lonergan said he had “great empathy” for the accused’s situation but gardaí have concerns should he be granted bail.
Noting the accused’s difficulties in providing a suitable address and other objections put forward by gardaí, Judge Larkin refused bail.
