Luas arson accused may face more raps
A MAN charged with arson of a Luas tram during a “mass riot” in Dublin in November could face “further charges,” a court heard yesterday.
John Tate, 61, faces two counts of arson, two of violent disorder and two charges of obstructing traffic at Parnell Street and O’connell Street in the capital on November 23.
Tate, who was charged last week, has taken up €5,000 bail and faced his second appearance at Dublin District Court yesterday when Detective Sergeant Eoghan Byrne sought a 12-week adjournment to obtain directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The detective sergeant added that there was “a possibility of further charges”.
Tate, of Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street, Dublin, has yet to indicate a plea and did not address the court but his solicitor consented to the sergeant’s application.
Judge Monika Leech remanded the accused on continuing bail to appear again on May 7.
He must continue obeying stringent conditions not to attend demonstrations, obey a curfew and “no online activity”.
At his first hearing last week, Detective Sergeant Byrne said the accused “made no reply” when charged.
Protesters had assembled where a series of criminal acts “quickly escalated into a mass riot”, which he described as “an unprecedented act of public disorder”.
It was alleged Tate “blocked” a Luas carrying passengers at O’connell Street and caused it to come to a halt.
The detective sergeant claimed Tate also obstructed a bus carrying passengers, forcing it to stop.
The court heard he is accused of arson of a Luas tram by setting fire to rubbish bags, which quickly spread and caused “extensive damage”. It also heard he approached it again and added further material to the blaze.