A 52-year-old man charged with driving a car into the front door of RTÉ television studios was yesterday released on strict bail conditions.
Pending a further court hearing when the charges against him will be dealt with he has been ordered by the judge not to go within a two-mile radius of RTÉ headquarters at Montrose in Dublin.
Paul Stokes, Montpelier Parade, Monkstown, Co Dublin, who appeared without legal representation, called for the charge of criminal damage to be struck out when he appeared before Dublin's Bridewell District Court.
He said: "I am looking to have the charge struck out on the basis I have been communicating with RTÉ for eight to 10 weeks with a device on how to stop all road deaths. They are failing in their duty."
However, Judge Angela Ní Chonduin interrupted Mr Stokes saying there were charges laid before the court and it was up to him to get legal advice.
Det Sgt Joe O'Callaghan from Donnybrook Garda station said Mr Stokes was arrested at 11.10pm last Saturday at RTÉ studios. He was taken to Donnybrook Garda station where he was charged at 4.50am and remanded in custody.
Det Sgt O'Callaghan said Mr Stokes made no reply when charged under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act, 1994. He told the court he had no objection to bail under strict conditions.
Mr Stokes was granted bail on condition he keep a two-mile radius from RTÉ.
He queried whether this would mean he has to take a detour to avoid passing the studios while driving into the city centre. Judge Ní Chonduin said he had to keep the two-mile radius at all times.
He was told to have no contact with any staff or personnel, to not interfere with witnesses, and sign on twice weekly at Blackrock Garda station.
Mr Stokes said: "My daughter works for RTÉ, so could you make it suitable for her?"
The judge said he was allowed to speak with his daughter so long as has he kept the two-mile radius from RTÉ.
Judge Ní Chonduin adjourned the case until January 15th next.