Man arrested on Kildare motorway told gardaí he was walking to Cork, court hears 

A garda told the court that the man 'was arrested for his own safety' before adding: 'That was when we discovered he has a bench warrant from Blanchardstown District Court from 29 August'

The M7 near Naas, in Co Kildare. File picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A man arrested for jaywalking on the M7 told gardaí he was walking to Cork, a court heard last week.

This came to light in Athy District Court last Thursday in the case of Stansislav Ocheretianyi (50) with an address at Dolcain House, Clondalkin.

He was appearing from custody having been apprehended the night before, and held under Section 43 of the Road Traffic Act.

Judge Desmond Zaidan heard from the arresting garda who explained that the defendant was appearing for “jaywalking”, before adding “on the M7”.

“The translator told me last night he was walking to Cork,” said the garda.

“To Cork?” asked a mildly incredulous judge.

“I believe he had walked from CityWest,” added the garda.

“What time was this?” asked the judge.

“Quarter to nine at night,” said the garda.

“What sort of state was he in?” asked the judge.

“Not drunk,” the garda assured him.

“He has an address in Clondalkin, and was arrested for his own safety.” He added: “That was when we discovered he has a bench warrant from Blanchardstown District Court from 29 August.” 

Accepting this, the judge then remanded Mr Ocheretianyi on continuing bail to re-appear at Naas District Court on 20 October.

There was one last bit of drama in the case when a garda in court agreed to help translate for the defendant but very quickly refused after the defendant made remarks to her in his native language.

The garda said she was insulted by the defendant and would not be able to translate.