Castlerea man to remain in custody until he ‘cops on’
The court heard gardaí received a call regarding threats to kill made by the defendant. Stock image
A 48-year-old Castlerea man has been remanded in custody by Judge James Faughnan “and will remain that way until he starts to cop on” after he was told that threats to kill were made.
Darren Cunningham, 11 Springfield, Castlerea was charged with trespass on the curtilage of a building, in a manner likely to cause fear in another person on January, 17th last.
The court heard gardaí received a call regarding threats to kill made by the defendant. He was arrested and brought to Castlerea garda station. He had been in the driveway of a house.
Judge Faughnan heard that gardaí have been at the property a number of times. There were young children living there and he was “not respectful”, the court was told.
The injured party, although not sworn in at Castlerea district court, told the judge the circumstances behind the case.
Defence solicitor Alan Gannon said his client suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and takes medication for it. “He has gotten this far in life without getting in trouble,” he added.
The judge said that he was prepared to give his verdict on the basis the defendant stays trouble free and there are no other incidents. He also directed that he not speak or make contact with the injured party.
However, at this point in the hearing the defendant interrupted and said, “They are in there making noises, I have children myself.” He remanded the defendant to appear at Ballaghaderreen court on April 10th and said “it will continue that way until he starts to cop on.”
