A Galway-based developer who drove a cherry picker emblazoned with protest slogans up to the gates of Dáil Eireann on the morning of the Budget annoucement has pleaded not guilty to the charge of dangerous driving.
According to reports Achill born Joe McNamara (41 ) with an address at Dun Na Carraige, Salthill, Galway, appeared before Judge Bridget Reilly at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to one count of dangerous driving on December 7, 2010.
Following his arrest the former developer was brought before a sitting of Dublin District Court and charged. He was remanded in custody following garda objection to bail on the grounds that he had breached the terms of his previous bail.
McNamara is already facing charges of criminal damage following an alleged similar incident in September when a cement truck, with slogans “Toxic Bank”, was driven to the gates of Leinster House.
An application by McNamara’s legal team was made to the High Court, under Article 40 of the Constitution, and he was released from custody and remanded on continuing bail to appear in court this week.
On Tuesday McNamara was released on his own bond of €300 and is due to appear in court again on January 11, 2011.
