Seán McCárthaigh
A Wicklow man has appeared in court in relation to a social media post allegedly containing false claims that an asylum seeker based at an IPAS centre had exposed himself on a bus to a teenage girl.
Kirk Loco (44) of Waverly Meadow, Rathnew, Co Wicklow, appeared before a sitting of Bray District Court on Monday on a charge of distributing or publishing a threatening or grossly offensive communication about an individual, known only as MM, with intent to cause harm.
The alleged offence was a social media post published by the accused on June 21st, 2024.
Garda Emma Jane Doyle gave evidence of arresting Mr Loco at his home at 7.05am on Monday.
She told the court that the accused was brought to Bray Garda Station and formally charged at 8.03am.
Garda Doyle said Mr Loco made no reply to the charge after being cautioned.
She confirmed to Judge David Kennedy that gardaí had no objection to bail for the defendant.
However, Garda Doyle said gardaí were seeking to impose a bail condition that the accused keep away from IPAS centres and not attend any protests or demonstrations.
She also informed the court that the DPP had directed that the charge could be dealt with summarily at District Court level.
Defence counsel, Ciara O’Brien BL, applied for legal aid for her client on the basis that he is in receipt of 250 per week.
Judge Kennedy said he would reserve a decision on the application until Mr Loco had filed a statement of his means.
He remanded the accused on...
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