Man charged over jeep hijack

A MAN accused of hijacking a jeep at Cork Airport was charged before Cork District Court yesterday.

Edmond Stapleton, aged 37, of no fixed abode, spoke a number of times during the hearing before Judge David Riordan at Cork District Court.

Stapleton, dressed in black polo shirt and black pants and sporting a cut at the side of his face, put his hands behind his ears a number of times to show his frustration at not being able to hear what was being said in court.

“I can’t hear anything that is being said and it is me you are talking about. It’s me that is being spoken about and I can’t hear what is being said,” he said.

Judge David Riordan ensured that Stapleton could follow the events in court.

Stapleton was charged with stealing a garda vehicle on Patrick Street, Cork, on May 22, and with threatening two occupants of a vehicle at Cork airport with a knife.

He was remanded in custody until May 30 at Cork District Court in respect of the two charges, on the application of Garda Inspector Michael McGuire.

Garda John McSweeney said that in reply after caution Stapleton said, “I understand exactly what you are saying.”

Solicitor Frank Buttimer, defending, consented to the application for a remand in custody.

When Mr Buttimer, who was appointed on free legal aid to represent the accused, said he was aware there was a state objection to bail, Stapleton shook his head and laughed.

On a defence application, Judge Riordan directed that Stapleton should receive medical treatment in prison as required.