A 51-YEAR-OLD MAN who was arrested after garda negotiators responded to a stand-off at St Agnes’ Church in Crumlin has been freed on bail.
Ian Kidd from Daytona, Brittas, Co Dublin appeared in court today and gave an undertaking to stay away from all churches before he was ordered by Judge Michael Walsh to appear again in September.
Trained garda negotiators and emergency services rushed to St Agnes’ Church at about 6.30pm yesterday evening after receiving reports that a man was threatening to start a fire.
Two Dublin Fire Brigade units, an ambulance and several garda units were at the scene which was sealed off from the public before the incident ended peacefully.
Garda Darren Swan told Dublin District Court that Kidd was charged today at Crumlin Garda station at 1.10pm. Kidd is accused of causing criminal damage to a Carrara marble altar, a crucifix and a Pashcal candle at the church.
He has not yet indicated how he will plead.
“He made no reply to the charge after caution,” said Garda Swan and he added that there was no objection to bail with conditions which were then read out in court.
He has to sign on twice weekly at his local garda station, not enter “any church or church grounds”, be contactable by mobile phone on a number he has already given to gardaí, reside at his current address and notify gardaí of any change of address.
Defence solicitor Brian Keenan told Judge Walsh his client has no intention of going to any church or church grounds and he knew the consequences of breaching the bail conditions which were imposed by the court.
Judge Walsh asked what allegedly happened in this case and was told by Garda Swan that the accused walked into the church and “poured a flammable substance” and caused damage to the altar, the candle and the crucifix.
He said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions have not yet been obtained. Judge Michael Walsh agreed to Garda Swan’s request to grant an eight-week adjournment.
Kidd said “yes, your honour” when he was asked if he understood the bail terms.
He then said “I will your honour” when asked if would he give an undertaking to stay away from all church properties and their grounds and to comply with the conditions.
Legal aid was granted after the court heard he is out of work and on social welfare.
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