Man charged over Trinity gates incident admitted to hospital, misses court

The book of evidence is to be served next month on a 66-year-old man accused of damaging the historic front gates of Trinity College Dublin in an alleged car ramming incident.

John Farrell is charged with causing nearly €44,000 worth of criminal damage to the front gates of Trinity College.

The solid oak gates from the 1870s had to be replaced after a car crashed into them on April 2 last.

Farrell, who is unemployed, is facing trial on 22 charges including hit and run offences, endangerment and dangerous driving at College Green and Dawson Street.

He is also accused of causing nearly €18,000 worth of criminal damage to cars and a hi-ace van.

He was due to appear in court this morning for service of the book of evidence but Judge Michael Walsh was informed that the 66-year-old was admitted to hospital yesterday.

Service will now take place on February 18.