Man accused of gay bar graffiti is granted bail
A 23-YEAR-OLD man has been granted bail with strict conditions after being charged over a homophobic graffiti attack at The George, one of Dublin’s best known gay bars.
Eoin Berkeley was warned by Judge Deirdre Gearty that he risked being held in prison on remand if he broke the bail terms which compel him to stay away from the bar on South Great George’s Street.
Derogatory language and the Nazi swastika symbol were daubed in chalk in the early hours of Saturday but have since been removed from the pub’s facade.
Mr Berkeley, from Hampton Wood Way, Finglas, Dublin 11, was arrested over the weekend and detained for questioning.
He appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday charged with criminal damage at the bar.
He has not yet indicated how he will plead.
A summary of the prosecution evidence was handed over in court to his solicitor Tony Collier before Judge Gearty was told that CCTV evidence will be disclosed at a later stage.
There was no objection to bail provided he obeyed six conditions: stay out of the Dublin 2 area, specifically remain away from The George, sign on daily at his local garda station, reside at his current address, notify gardaí of any change of address, and “be of sober habits and be of good behaviour”.
Mr Collier applied for free legal aid to be granted and explained that his client is in receipt of a €193 a week disability benefit.
Judge Gearty granted legal aid and directed that the video evidence was to be handed over to the defence.
She remanded Mr Berkeley on bail to appear again on July 4.