A young man whose threatened suicide was aired on a phone-in radio show appeared at Dún Laoghaire District Court yesterday.
The 21-year-old, with an address in Dún Laoghaire, was charged in connection with the possession of two electric carving knife blades.The accused, who was allegedly armed with the 11- inch knives at the Loughlinstown pedestrian bridge on the N11, made his suicide threat on FM 104’s Phoneshow on Thursday night when DJ Jeremy Dixon tried to console him.
Sgt Conlaith Mulhall, Dún Laoghaire Garda station, gave evidence of arresting the accused at 3. 23am at St Columcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown. He lives in a Dún Laoghaire hostel run for the homeless by Crosscare.
Defending solicitor Ronnie Lynam said the man was undergoing psychiatric care in Cluain Mhuire, Blackrock, and a surgery in Glasthule, and would reside with his sister in Stepaside.
Granting bail with strict conditions, Judge Bridget Reilly said the accused’s behaviour was either that of an exhibitionist or someone with real difficulties.
“The act of violence you made against yourself raises fears of what you are capable of.”