A young man of 18 years old, Andy Donohue from Citywest View, Tallaght, has been accused and charged for launching a petrol bomb attack at a property located in Tallaght, Dublin. This property, St John’s House on High Street, was identified as a potential accommodation for asylum seekers and is presently serving as an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre. Consequently, this act of vandalism, which allegedly caused an estimated €20,000 in damages, saw Donohue being granted a €3,000 bail, set by the High Court, with stringent conditions attached.
Previously, Donohue had been denied bail in the District Court of Tallaght but later filed a new application at the High Court in Cloverhill, where it was considered. The accused refrained from addressing the court, whereas Garda Sergeant Gary Lynch concurred with State-appointed counsel, Barrister Rachel Cadden, that there were concerns about the potential danger Donohue posed to public safety.
With an investigation underway, the court was told that Donohue could face a sentence of up to 10 years if convicted. There was also indication of additional charges being brought against him in the future. To assemble the Director of Public Prosecution’s documentation, it was established that an exhaustive review of CCTV footage had been undertaken.
Contained in this footage, a male, supposedly Donohue, was identified advancing down High Street. Coming from a residential neighbourhood carrying a backpack, the male, barehanded, was seen hurling a petrol bomb at a window of St John’s House. Although initially deflected, he was alleged to have smashed a window with a hammer and thrown in two more petrol bombs causing a security guard to escape via an emergency exit.
The case continues with Garda Eoin Monahan, the officer responsible for Donohue’s arrest, asserting that it was clear Donohue had firm opinions on Ireland’s existing immigration policies. Evidence of this was found in a copy of a newspaper article regarding the incident on Donohue’s bed.
The young man suspected by the police seemed to take a certain pleasure in the destruction he caused. The judgment on his bail application was granted by Mr Justice Burns, although stringent terms were enforced. A €100 bail bond was set with the stipulation of endorsement from an impartial guarantor, in addition to a €3,000 deposit. The young accomplice, yet to express his plea, will stay in detention until the deposit is made. His next court appearance is scheduled for later this month in the District Court.