Man to face trial over alleged death threats at fast food restaurant in Limerick town

A MAN who gardai allege “terrorised the town” of Newcastle West over a two-hour period earlier this year is to face trial before Limerick Circuit Court.

Dermot Knapp Ryan, aged 34, with address at Sharwood Estate, Newcastle West faces a number of offences arising from an incident at a fast food premises in the town shortly after 9pm on August 19, last.

When he first appeared before a special court sitting a number of days later, a garda sergeant said “numerous calls were received by gardai reporting a man brandishing a knife was threatening people”.

Mr Ryan was initially charged with burglary, possession of a knife, criminal damage and production of an article at Pizza Point, Maiden Street, Newcastle West. He is charged with public intoxication, engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and with causing criminal damage to a vehicle at North Quay, Newcastle West.

During a procedural hearing at Limerick District Court last week, Judge Carol Anne Coolican heard evidence that the defendant is to face three additional charges.

These include making threats to kill or cause serious harm to two named individuals on the same date and producing a knife and a wrench during the course of a dispute.

Sergeant Denis Waters said the original charge relating to the knife was being withdrawn and he confirmed the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the matter should proceed on indictment before the circuit court.

Having been informed that Mr Ryan was previously refused bail by the High Court, Judge Coolican remanded him in continuing custody.

During a contested bail hearing in August, Sergeant Dermot Cummins said it will be alleged that at 9.10pm on August 19, gardai in Newcastle West were alerted to reports of a man brandishing a knife and threatening members of the public in Maiden Street.

“Multiple reports were received via 999 from members of the public that this individual had entered Pizza Point on Maiden Street. He threatened to kill and stab staff while brandishing a knife. 

“He damaged a pane of glass in the front door using a rolling pin he took from behind the counter. He concealed a knife in his shorts before leaving and threatening motorists on North Quay.

“He banged on the door of a car being driven by a woman and attempted to open the door while shouting at her to get out."

The garda sergeant said due to the risk to public safety the Armed Support Unit was requested from Henry Street garda station.

Opposing bail he said: “It is my belief that if granted bail Dermot Ryan will commit further serious offences and not abide by bail conditions. It is my understanding that he returned to Newcastle West in the past two or three days, and in the space of which he has terrorised the town in the space of an hour or two.

“He has resided in the United Kingdom since 2013 / 2014. If he is granted bail I believe he would flee the jurisdiction and return to the UK,” said Sgt Cummins.