Cork man charged with smashing Garda bus with claw-hammer said he 'needed a place to stay'

They went out to see David Hennessy, of 4 Dunmore Gardens, Knocknaheeny, Cork, armed with a claw hammer in a private carpark at the rear of the station.

“He proceeded to smash the windows of a State vehicle, a community policing bus, before he was disarmed by gardaí on duty.

“The claw-hammer was seized from David Hennessy. The total value of damage has not been formally established but I believe it will be in excess of €2,000,” Garda O’Mahony said.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the damage in this case was to a community policing van used for bus runs for the elderly and people with special needs.

Gardaí are concerned about the defendant’s behaviour if released, Garda O’Mahony said.

In terms of an explanation for his behaviour, David Hennessy said: “I needed a place to stay.” 

At Cork District Court, the accused man applied to be released on bail in an application on his behalf by Diane Hallahan solicitor.

Cross-examined by Sergeant John Kelleher, he said he would stay at home if granted bail and he would not need anywhere else to stay and would behave himself.

“I can promise one million per cent it won’t happen again. It was a stupid mistake. It won’t happen again,” he said.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded him in custody with consent to bail December 11, on a €500 bond, of which €100 is to be lodged, and an independent surety of €500. He must also keep a curfew to be home between 11pm and 6am

In the particular circumstances of the case, Sgt Kelleher said they did not want Mr Hennessy to sign regularly at Gurranabraher Garda Station.