Edmund Heaphy | Deputy Editor
A 66-year-old man has been charged with damaging Front Gate this evening. He is accused of causing €43,816 worth of damages to the historic gate, which was erected in the early 1870s, after ramming it with his car in early April.
John Farrell, who resides at Fassaugh Avenue in Cabra, appeared before Judge James Faughnan at a late sitting of Dublin District Court this evening. He has been granted bail, pending a November court date in the Circuit Court.
Aside from the charge specifically relating to the damage of the gate, he faces twenty other charges in relation to the dangerous driving incident, including allegations of endangerment of life, hit-and-run and a further €18,000 in criminal damage to the grounds of Trinity and nearby streets.
Garda Anthony Brazil, from Pearse Street Garda Station, told the court that Farrell was charged earlier this afternoon.
It is understood that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed for a trial on indictment, which means that the case will be tried in the Circuit Court rather than in the District Court. This allows for tougher sentencing.
It is reported that Mr Farrell did not address the court during the hearing this evening, and that he has not indicated how he intends to plead in the case when it arises again.
The incident in question occurred at the early hours on the morning of April 2nd. Farrell was released without charge within 24 hours of his initial arrest.
Following the damage, the surviving sections of Front Gate were taken away for repair work by craftsmen Messrs Dunwoody & Dobson. The gate was restored in early June.
The gate, which historically has been referred to as the Great Gates in College documents, has distinctive high-fielded diamond-shaped panelling, which added significant complexity to the restoration process.
Farrell is due to appear in court again on November 26th.
In Photos: Front Gate Reinstated
Photo by Benedict Shegog for The University Times
