A man is facing accusations of using a piece of timber as a weapon following a confrontation with a security officer, to whom he allegedly issued a threat. The incident took place at a proposed site for international protection, situated in the northern part of Dublin, as reported in court.
The accused, named Daryl McMahon, 49 years old and residing at Quilty House on the Malahide Road in Dublin 17, was charged with two crimes related to an episode that took place at Thornton Hall. This state-controlled vacant farmland stretches across 160 acres.
The charges against him include a weapons offence involving the use of a timber piece capable of inflicting serious harm, and also trespassing.
In June, the Government announced its plans to use a certain section of this Swords property, in proximity to Dublin Airport, to set up temporary tent accommodation for approximately 1,000 asylum seekers. This decision sparked protests near the site’s entrance.
In Dublin District Court, Garda Robert Lynch voiced objections to McMahon’s bail basis, pointing to the severity of the alleged offences. He detailed to Judge Cephas Power that the incident had happened at a location earmarked to serve as a shelter for international protection seekers.
The prosecution claimed that the accused had been actively participating in a protest on the site. The Garda also mentioned, during the contested bail hearing, that due to the alleged threat, a case file would be filed with the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He further reported that McMahon was recognized from the CCTV footage and subsequently arrested on a Sunday.
There had been a confrontation with security personnel, according to the officer. The court was informed that the accused was caught on camera issuing a “distinct threat” to staff, their residences, and the building. The fact that this happened at the staff’s workplace where a large group of protesters gathered led to fears of possible intimidation and interference with witnesses, which the Gardaí were worried about.
Upon cross-examination by defence solicitor Yvonne Bambury, Garda Lynch concurred that the accused had no other pending charges. He agreed that no other tools were purportedly used during the incident when the solicitor pointed out, “It’s only a piece of timber; we’re not dealing with a knife situation.”
In an appeal for bail, the lawyer represented that her client, Mr McMahon, currently unemployed, had no existing cases nor any history of explicit allegations associated with individuals. She revealed to the court that McMahon, who has not yet conveyed a plea and has remained silent in court, resided in the same area as his relatives. Moreover, she stated that he had directed her that he would abide by conditions.
Upon review, Judge Power accepted the bail for an agreement of €1,000. He emphasized that McMahon must stay at his current home, regularly report to his neighbourhood Garda station, avoid contacting any witnesses, and keep away from the Thornton Hall premises.
The judge directed Mr McMahon to appear at the local Balbriggan District Court on the 3rd of September for guidance from the DPP. He was also granted legal aid.
In 2005, the State invested €30m in purchasing Thornton Hall with plans to establish a “super-prison” to relieve the strain on Mountjoy Prison. Nevertheless, this concept was dismissed following the financial collapse.