Cobh man accused of breaching RTÉ ban says he will comply if broadcaster stops 'bugging' phone

It is alleged that on July 17 he breached bail conditions by standing outside RTÉ building and shouting. He left the area but returned a short time later, allegedly stating: ;I will be back again and again and again'

RTÉ's premises on Father Mathew Quay in Cork File picture: Larry Cummins

A 47-year-old man allegedly breached a court order banning him from RTÉ premises and from contacting its staff in Cork, after claiming he would comply if the broadcaster stopped "bugging" his Samsung phone.

Shane Matthews, of an apartment at 15 Harbour Row, Cobh, Co Cork, appeared before Cork District Court on Thursday, where Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the State was objecting to bail.

Garda Tracey Fleming told the court that Mr Matthews had been granted bail in June in connection with alleged incidents at RTÉ's premises on Father Mathew Quay in Cork. The court heard he had previously been on similar bail conditions since February.

One of the conditions of his bail was that he not attend the RTÉ premises. 

However, it is alleged that on July 17 he breached that condition by standing outside the building and shouting. The court heard that he left the area but returned a short time later, allegedly stating: "I will be back again and again and again."

Garda Fleming said Mr Matthews presented himself at Bridewell Garda Station on Tuesday, July 28, where an outstanding warrant for his arrest was executed.

By way of background, Mr Matthews is currently before Cork District Court on two counts of criminal damage in connection with alleged incidents at RTÉ's Father Mathew Quay premises. It is alleged that he threw red paint at the front door of the building on January 31 and February 6.

While on bail in relation to those matters, he allegedly breached his conditions by shouting abuse and making threats outside the premises on June 10. He was subsequently charged with threatening behaviour and was granted bail again on June 17.

Mr Matthews appeared before the court on Wednesday in connection with a further alleged breach on July 17. He has again been charged with engaging in threatening behaviour.

Mr Matthews told the court he had been writing on his Samsung phone when everything he had written disappeared, which he attributed to RTÉ allegedly "bugging" the device.

Addressing the court, he said: "There is a law against RTÉ bugging my device... I am shaking because it is so annoying."

When asked whether he would comply with a condition to stay away from RTÉ premises, Mr Matthews replied: "I will, if RTÉ stop bugging my phone."

Refusing bail, Judge David Waters said: "Clearly, he is not going to comply with bail."

The judge remanded Mr Matthews in custody to August 5 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions and directed that he receive any appropriate medical attention while in custody.

Mr Matthews told the court he had attended Bridewell Garda Station on Tuesday to make a complaint about alleged fire damage to his apartment.