BEFORE COURT

Creche children said ‘we’re going to die’ after man brandished knife on Parnell Square & threatened bus drivers

It was claimed he went up to a bus carrying school children, but the driver closed the doors

• Published: 14:50, 29 May 2024
• Updated: 14:51, 29 May 2024

A MAN who allegedly threatened a woman with a baby and two busloads of young children in Dublin while armed with a knife has been remanded in custody after a judge held he was a “danger to the public in his present state”.

Oisin Peavoy, 38, who resides at an apartment building on Granby Row, Dublin 1, was arrested following an incident on Tuesday morning.

A court heard witnesses heard upset children saying, “we are going to die” during the incident.

He was charged with four offences, including two counts under weapons legislation for the production of a knife at Gardiner Street and Parnell Square in the north inner city.

The other two charges are under the Public Order Act for threatening, abusive, or insulting words and behaviour at the two locations.

He was brought to Mountjoy Garda station, where he declined the offer of legal representation.Mr Peavoy was charged and held pending his appearance before Judge Gerard Jones at Dublin District Court today.

Solicitor Tracy Horan told Judge Jones the man’s family had approached her for assistance, and it had been suggested he would be remanded in custody for a psychiatric assessment.

Detective Garda Paul Griffin told the court he intended to object to bail, and Mr Peavoy insisted he would represent himself.

The court heard that Mr Peavoy’s replies to two charges were: “I object, I have evidence that this is not true.”He said at 8.42 am, the accused brandished a knife at Parnell Square and then, while acting erratically and aggressively, threatened a woman with her baby telling her to “f*** off”.

“This was totally unprovoked,” he said, adding that there was a coach full of crèche children, which the accused blocked with his hands outstretched.

‘CLEAR ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE’

The court heard the children saw him and became “hysterical”, and two of them were allegedly overheard saying: “We’re going to die”.

The second incident was 35 minutes later, when the accused allegedly brandished the knife at Gardiner Street. It was claimed he went up to a bus carrying school children, but the driver closed the doors.It was alleged the accused “stared at the driver and pointed at the knife in a sheath in his belt in a clear attempt to intimidate the driver”.

The court heard the children were aged six to 12 years.

In court, Mr Peavoy initially denied his name, made reference to a “king’s army”, recognising the court, wanting “the Hague here” and he cited the legal authority of EU.

Judge Jones said he could not force the accused to have a solicitor to act on his behalf.

Remanding him in custody, he added: “This man is a danger to himself and to the public in his present state, the children involved.”.