Man appears in court for refusing to wear a mask in supermarket

A MAN who refused to wear a mask while doing his shopping has appeared before Wexford District Court charged with failing to comply with Covid-19 regulations.

Christopher Cussen (47), with an address of Ballymacoonogue, The Ballagh, Enniscorthy, was arrested on Sunday, January 10 at Pettitt’s Super Valu in St Aidan’s after staff contacted Gardaí to complain about his refusal to wear a mask while in the shop.

Upon arrival of Gardaí, Mr Cussens then refused to identify himself or provide an address. He was subsequently conveyed to Wexford Garda Station where he was detained overnight to appear in court on Monday afternoon.

Giving evidence, the arresting officer Garda Geoff Scally said Mr Cussens replied ‘I am a private man’ in response to the charge of not providing a name or address.

When charged with failing to comply with emergency regulations under the Health Act, Mr Cussens opted to reply as gaeilge.

‘Ní seasann fuath,’ he replied, or ‘hatred does not stand’.

‘We believe his name is Christopher Cussens and his address is Ballymacoonogue, The Ballagh, Enniscorthy,’ said Gda Scally. ‘If he could confirm those details and promise to stay out of Pettitt’s and apply with Covid regulations we would have no problem granting bail.’

Opting to represent himself and refusing to wear a mask for the duration of the hearing, Mr Cussens explained why he had chosen not to wear a mask while doing his shopping.

‘I didn’t wear a mask on religious grounds. I am an orthodox Christian and I have deregistered from the Catholic Church. It goes against my religious beliefs to wear a mask,’ he said.

‘I didn’t invade anyone’s personal space. I’ve been shopping in Pettitt’s since March 15 without wearing a mask.’

Judge John Cheatle then asked the defendant what the significance of his religion had to do with wearing a mask in a public place.

‘We don’t cover our faces. I’m sorry for the inconvenience this is causing,’ replied Mr Cussens. ‘I didn’t break the law. I wanted to leave the shop. I had finished my shopping, I was at the dog food section picking up some dog food and wanted to pay and leave.’

Continuing his evidence, Gda Scally said, ‘When I asked him to comply with regulations he said he was exempt but he gave no valid reason and refused to provide any of his personal details.’

At this point Mr Cussens finally confirmed his name and address but said that this was the first time the issue of him not wearing a mask had arisen, adding, ’I have no enemies, I would never intentionally hurt another person.’

‘I don’t accept that,’ replied Judge Cheatle. ‘You’re a messer and you’re putting the public at risk through your behaviour.’

Remanding Mr Cussens on €100 bail to appear at Wexford District Court on April 21, Judge Cheatle advised the defendant to comply with Covid-19 guidelines from this point forth and said if he was found to be shopping without wearing a mask it would be a breach of his bail.

‘So relgious grounds don’t count?’ asked Mr Cussens.

‘Sign your bond and go,’ warned Judge Cheatle.

‘I don’t need to sign anything,’ continued Mr Cussens. ‘I didn’t break any law. My reglion comes first. This is under duress, I’d prefer to go to jail than sign anything.’

Mr Cussens eventually signed the bond and was released on bail.