Man allegedly attacked garda with angle-grinder
By Brendan Grehan
A MAN accused of threatening a garda with an angle-grinder could face trial in the Circuit Court, Blanchardstown District Court has heard, reports Brendan Grehan.
Tony Rochford also allegedly damaged an M50 toll barrier.
Rochford allegedly told the gardai while he was at the M50 toll plaza: “The time for talking is over.”
Judge David McHugh refused jurisdiction in Rochford’s case.
Rochford, aged 49, with an address at Steeple Manor, Trim, Co Meath, is charged with producing an angle-grinder and attempting to strike a garda with it, engaging in offensive conduct and damaging an Eflow entry gate at the M50 toll plaza northbound on May 30, 2018.
He is also charged with breaching the peace and damaging a garda’s boots and trousers with paint at the M50 toll plaza on the above date.
Rochford’s solicitor, Yvonne Buckley, told Judge McHugh that her client was pleading guilty.
Sergeant Geraldine McManigan said the DPP had directed summary disposal.
She said that it will be alleged that at 11.50am on May 30 last the gardai were called to the M50 toll at Blanchardstown as a man was attempting to damage a gate with an angle-grinder.
Sgt McManigan said it will be alleged that the gardai asked Rochford to stop but he told them: “The time for talking is over.”
She added that it will be alleged that Rochford turned on the angle grinder and attempted to strike a garda with it and waved it in the garda’s face.
She said it will be alleged that the garda produced his baton, but it was to no avail. Sgt McManigan added that it will be alleged the gardai finally arrested Rochford. She said the damage to the gate was between €500 to €600.
Judge McHugh refused jurisdiction.
He remanded Rochford to a date in September for a response from the DPP on his decision.
