Cherry picker protester may face further charges

A property developer accused of dangerous driving for allegedly parking a cherry picker outside Leinster House, may face further charges, a court heard today.

Joe McNamara (aged 41), of Dun na Carraige, Blackrock, Co. Galway, who reportedly owes Anglo Irish Bank €3.5m, had been charged at Dublin District Court with dangerous driving on the morning of December 7 last, hours before former Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan made his budget speech.

His case had been adjourned until today 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 today's proceedings.

Defence solicitor Cahir O'Higgins submitted that the case should be struck out.

However, Judge Lucey remanded Mr McNamara in his absence 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 prosecution to provide disclosure of any CCTV evidence or reports or analysis relating to the cherry picker.

Initially Mr McNamara had 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 separate incident where a concrete mixer truck was allegedly driven against the gates of Leinster House last September 29 last. 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 damages.

He has pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and motoring charges in connection with an incident

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.