Cherry-picker man may face further charges
Joe McNamara, aged 41, of Dún na Carraige, Blackrock, Co Galway, who reportedly owes Anglo Irish Bank €3.5 million, had been charged at Dublin District Court with dangerous on the morning of December 7, hours before former Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan made his Budget speech.
His case had been adjourned until yesterday pending directions from the DPP.
Judge Timothy Lucey was told by the prosecution that another remand was sought pending the possibility of further charges being brought against Mr McNamara, who was not present for yesterday’s proceedings.
Defence solicitor Cahir O’Higgins submitted that the case should be struck out.
However, Judge Lucey remanded Mr McNamara to appear again next month.
He noted that the defence consented to the release of the accused’s cherry-picker vehicle.
The judge also agreed to a request by the defence for the prosecution to provide disclosure of any CCTV evidence or reports or analysis relating to the cherry-picker.
Mr McNamara had initially been remanded in custody on this charge by the District Court but later that evening was released by the High Court.
He is also facing a hearing this month in connection with a separate incident in which a concrete mixer truck was allegedly driven against the gates of Leinster House last September 29. A cement lorry, with the words “Toxic Bank” and “Anglo” in red letters painted on its sides, were allegedly driven towards the gates of Leinster House causing minor damage.
He has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and motoring charges.
He also denies five further connected charges under the Road Traffic Act including dangerous driving, having no road tax, failing to display tax, not having a certificate of road worthiness, and failing to produce a driving licence.
In that case, the court has heard that Mr McNamara was exercising his rights to express opinions.
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