‘I just wanted to be a guard’: Man accused of impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána

The homeless man was charged with possessing a stolen garda jacket and of impersonating a garda by wearing it

Garda Brian Halley told the court that when he was charged, the accused man replied, 'I just wanted to be a guard'. Stock picture: Dan Linehan

A homeless Dublin man accused of impersonating a garda by wearing an officer’s stolen uniform jacket has been denied bail.

Robert O’Shea, 58, who is of no fixed abode, was arrested in Lucan, Co Dublin, on Friday in connection with an incident near the local garda station.

He was charged with possessing stolen property, a garda uniform soft shell jacket, contrary to the Theft & Fraud Act.

He is also accused of an offence contrary to the Garda Síochána Act for impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána at Main St, Lucan.

Mr O'Shea was held pending his appearance before Judge Dermot Dempsey at a sitting of Dublin District Court on Saturday when he faced bail objections.

Garda Brian Halley told the court the accused replied, “I just wanted to be a guard,” when charged at Lucan station.

The officer agreed with defence counsel Kevin McCrave that the accused was known to live at various addresses around the Lucan area and lately in a park in the middle of the town.

Mr O’Shea did not give evidence and is yet to indicate a plea.

Counsel said the accused had health problems and was about to start a 12-week residential counselling programme.

Pleading for bail, Mr McCrave said his client would like to be able to take up that opportunity.

The court heard the accused had an alcohol problem.

Judge Dempsey refused bail and remanded the accused in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on July 21 via video link.

He granted him legal aid and ordered gardaí to provide disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence.

The judge also directed that Mr O’Shea would get medical attention while in custody.