Man remanded in custody over Garda Station fire threat

eroo

06/01/2009 - 16:01:28
A 27-year-old man was remanded in custody today after threatening to set himself on fire and burn down a Garda Station.

Paul Leonard was accused of walking into the station in Tallaght, south Dublin in the early hours of this morning and dousing himself in petrol.

It is understood he was holding a cigarette lighter and threatened to set himself and the building on fire.

Mr Leonard from Fettercairn Road, Tallaght, appeared before Tallaght District Court on two charges.

He is accused of intentionally or recklessly endangering life, threatening the garda on duty Ciaran Loughrey and also claiming he would damage the station by starting a fire.

The Fire Brigade was called in and gardaí negotiated with the man for around 30 minutes before he calmed.

He was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear before the District Court next week.

In 1999, Garda Sergeant Andy Callinan from Thurles, Co Tipperary died from injuries after a man entered Tallaght Garda Station and started a fire.

Very lucky indeed there wasn't a repeat of that tragic incident almost 10 years ago.

Trojan911

eroo wrote: »

Very lucky indeed there wasn't a repeat of that tragic incident almost 10 years ago.

Indeed.

But why was he remanded to Cloverhill & not sectioned under the mental health act?

deadwood

Trojan911 wrote: »

Indeed.

But why was he remanded to Cloverhill & not sectioned under the mental health act?

That might be a bit close to the bone as this is an ongoing case.
I'm sure his solicitor will explore every avenue to get him the help he requires..

TheNog

deadwood wrote: »

That might be a bit close to the bone as this is an ongoing case.
I'm sure his solicitor will explore every avenue to get him the help he requires..

Lets keep this thread general enough. Maybe talk about Andrew Callinan

fair play deadwood.

here have an honorary Mod badge

eroo

TheNog wrote: »

Lets keep this thread general enough. Maybe talk about Andrew Callinan

fair play deadwood.

Does anyone know if the man charged with the murder of Sgt. Callinan was successfully tried on this charge? According to 'The Final Beat' the trial was due to take place in 2002, but I can't find anything on it.

Btw, Nog don't encourage him!!:P

Eru

Yes he got 15 years.

santosubito

acquitted of murder, done for manslaughter.

Victor

Trying to keep this general.

Trojan911 wrote: »

But why was he remanded to Cloverhill & not sectioned under the mental health act?

He could have been drunk and "tired and emotional" rather than having a separate mental health issue.

Also, isn't it for the defence to bring up psychiatric issues in criminal cases?