Man arrested off Shannon flight due before court again

A 25-year-old man arrested in Shannon airport following an alleged incident aboard an airplane is due to make his second court appearance this week, writes Ronan Judge.

Ioan Remi Makula, with an address at Fearran Rí, Doughiska, Galway, appeared before a special sitting of Ennis district court on Saturday.

Judge Mary Larkin remanded Makula in custody to appear again in court on February 9, via video link. Makula is charged with a single offence contrary to the Air Navigation and Transport act.

The charge alleges that on a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Shannon on February 4, 2022, Makula engaged in behaviour of a threatening, abusive or insulting nature whether by word or gesture with intent to cause a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace might have been occasioned.

Garda Chris Healy of Shannon Garda station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court Makula made no reply to the charge after caution.

Defence solicitor Tara Godfrey said she had no questions regarding the arrest, charge and caution of her client.

Ms Godfrey told the court her client is not applying for bail but she asked that he be psychiatrically assessed in Limerick prison.

The solicitor confirmed to Judge Larkin that her client is taking medication.

Judge Larkin directed the accused receive psychiatric assessment and remanded him in custody to appear again in court on Wednesday.