Fresh charges have been brought against a Dublin youth who was allegedly caught trespassing at Leinster House while armed with a sword.
Jordan Buckley (19) from Kells Road, Crumlin, was charged earlier unlawfully possessing a sword, contrary to Section 9.1 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, in connection with the incident on April 29th.
Today at his latest hearing the prosecution withdrew that charge and replaced it with three others instead. The unemployed youth is now charged with trespassing with an offensive weapon at Leinster House on April 29th. He is also charged with trespassing with intent to cause fear and resisting arrest in connection with the same incident.
Judge Michael Walsh heard at Dublin District Court that Mr Buckley made no reply when the new charges were put to him.
The court heard that the DPP has directed that the case should be dealt with at district court level. Garda Dwayne Conlon said that it was alleged the youth entered the environs of Leinster House and he had a sword in his possession. The Dáil was not sitting on the day but members of the Oireachtas and the public were present, the Garda also said.
Judge Walsh accepted jurisdiction meaning the case will be heard in the district court and not go forward to the Circuit Court, which has tougher sentencing powers.
The defence solicitor was granted an order for disclosure of prosecution documents and exhibits, including CCTV evidence.
Dressed in green jumper and blue jeans, Mr Buckley, who did not address the court, was granted legal aid. He was ordered to appear again on October 22nd when he will be expected to indicate how he will plead.
At an earlier stage defence solicitor Paul Hannon had said that the youth had no history of criminality and there was no evidence of him having any drink or drug issues.
Mr Hannon had also said his client had did not have one particular person in mind as a target during the incident.
As a condition of bail, the youth, who has not yet entered a plea, also has to sign on at his local Garda station three times a week, and remain sober. He also has stay away from all Government buildings and departments except the social welfare offices.