MAN CHARGED OVER ‘RAT’ SLUR IN GARDA TRIBUTES
Hennessy, 23, refused bail & due in court
A MAN who allegedly wrote “rat” in a book of condolences for murdered Det Garda Colm Horkan remained in custody overnight after being refused bail yesterday.
Jason Hennessy, 23, of Blanchardstown in North Dublin, will appear in Cloverhill District Court via video link today.
Sgt Alan Lynch, of Blanchardstown Garda Station, yesterday gave evidence to Judge Gerard Jones.
He said last Friday he was on duty at the station and set out the book of condolences for members of the public to sign.
He and his colleagues became aware
Hennessy two men had come into the station and walked over to the book.
Once they left, gardai noticed it had been tampered with.
Sgt Lynch said: “The word ‘rat’ was written right under Det Horkan’s name.”
He told Blanchardstown District Court he then reviewed CCTV footage and it showed Hennessy defacing the book with the station stamp and then writing something in it.
The footage also shows Hennessy taking a photo of what he had written. On Sunday, Hennessy was arrested and charged with criminal damage.
Sgt Lynch told the court Hennessy was also charged with violent conduct in the Garda station yesterday morning.
He said it had been the intention of gardai at the station to give the book of condolences to the family of Det Horkan, 49, who was buried in Charlestown, Co Mayo, on Sunday.
Refusing Hennessy’s bail application, Judge Jones emphasised that the charges against him remain allegations. But he added: “I am appalled at the behaviour.
“I am under no circumstances entertaining bail for one minute.”