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A book of evidence has been served on a National Museum employee who is charged with possessing a bomb.
Simon O’Donovan (44), of Sperrin Road in Dublin 12, is charged that on 22 July last at St Laurence’s Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 10, he did knowingly have in his possession an explosive substance, to wit – an improvised device – under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he had not got it in his possession for a lawful object.
The offence is contrary to section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 as amended by section 15(4) of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.
O’Donovan appeared before the Special Criminal Court this afternoon, where a panel of three judges heard that a second book of evidence is being prepared.
The court heard that the accused, who appeared in custody, made a bail application before the High Court, where he was unrepresented due to an ongoing dispute with his solicitor over fees.
O’Donovan, who also appeared unrepresented this afternoon, was advised that he was in a position to make a fresh bail application before the High Court if he was represented, as a judge would likely view this as a change in circumstance.
“Have you been in touch with your solicitor?” asked the judge, with the accused replying, “Not since the last date I appeared here.”
“That’s surprising,” remarked Mr Justice McGrath, who addressed O’Donovan on behalf of the three-judge panel.
O’Donovan was also advised that he can make a bail application before the Special Criminal Court.
The accused indicated that he wished to make a fresh bail application as soon “as possible,” with the court advising that he make contact with a solicitor in order to facilitate this.
Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that she would inform O’Donovan’s solicitor, Mr Macken of Phoenix Law, of today’s developments.
He was remanded in custody until the 5th of October next.
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