A man has appeared in court in connection with being charged with the breaking of windows in two Catholic Church buildings in north Clare.
At Ennis District Court, Stephane Towill (45) of Labri, Ballyportry South, Corofin appeared in court on five criminal damage charges in connection with allegedly breaking four windows of Kilnaboy church and one window at Corofin church.
Garda Andrew Monahan said that there was no Garda objection to bail on condition that Mr Towill stay away from the two churches.
Garda Monahan said that Mr Towill made no reply in response to each charge.
In court, Mr Towill said: “I need to stay in my house and stay there and not be bothered by anyone.”
Garda Monahan told Judge Alec Gabbett that the case can be disposed of in the district court.
Mr Towill is charged with on a date unknown between September 13th and September 15th last did without lawful excuse damage a window at Kilnaboy church which was the property of Fr Damian Nolan.
Mr Towill faces the same charge concerning the alleged breaking of a window at Kilnaboy Church on dates from September 24th to September 25th last, September 26th to September 27th and February 5th to February 6th this year contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Mr Towill is also charged with breaking a window of Corofin church belonging to Fr Des Hillery between February 5th to February 6th without lawful excuse contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to John Casey to represent the accused.
Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Towill on bail to re-appear at Ennis District Court to February 28th. On that appearance. Mr Towill is due to either state that he will be contesting the charges or entering a plea.