A District Court judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a Kerry man accused of making “serious threats” to a shop employee.
Gavin O’Reilly of no-fixed-abode appeared before Judge David Waters recently at Tralee District Court facing two charges.
The 49-year old is accused of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to a staff member at a store in South Kerry last year.
It’s alleged that on dates between September 10th and 20th last, that Gavin O’Reilly entered Christians Shop, South Square Sneem and made threats to a staff member.
He is further accused of threatening the same staff member, at the same location on October 5th last.
At Tralee District Court Garda Sean Twomey gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
He said that in response to the first charge, Mr O’Reilly responded “to be honest, I can’t remember”, and replied “I’m pretty sure I didn’t” to the second.
Outlining the evidence, Sergeant Chris Manton said the accused entered the store several times and was annoying the staff.
It’s alleged that on one occasion Mr O’Reilly threatened to put a staff member “in a box and send you back to England”.
It’s also alleged on a separate occasion he stated he knew how to slice the throat of a pig, to the member of staff.
Sgt Manton told the judge that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed summary disposal on the matters.
Judge David Waters stated the accused made threats to someone working, and earning a living, and he can’t see if the matter is contested, how it would be heard in the District Court.
The Judge said the threats were too serious, and refused jurisdiction – meaning Mr O’Reilly will face the allegations in a higher court with wider sentencing powers than the district court.
Solicitor Padraig O’Connell made a bail application for his client, and a legal aid application, both of which were granted.
Judge Waters said should there be any incident or if the accused caused any bother to the public, bail should be revoked immediately.
He remanded Mr O’Reilly on bail, to appear before Tralee District Court on July 8th for the book of evidence.
After signing the bail bond, Judge Waters asked Mr O’Reilly if he understood what he signed, the accused replied lowly “yes your honour”.
His solicitor Padraig O’Connell reiterated, for the purposes of the DAR, that Mr O’Reilly replied “yes your honour”.
