A man has been remanded in custody charged in connection with a rampage in a stolen SUV in Cork airport last weekend.
Edmond Stapleton (37), a native of Dublin Hill in Cork city who is currently of no fixed abode, was brought before Cork District Court today.
He was charged with two offences arising out of the incident including that he took a Garda Traffic Corps Toyota Landcruiser at Patrick Street on May 22nd, 2011 without the consent of the owner, An Garda Siochána.
He was also charged with a second offence of hijacking a Cork airport fire service Toyota Landcruiser on the same day. He is accused of seizing the vehicle after threatening airport police officers John McCarthy and Michael Delaney with a knife.
Mr Stapleton, who was sporting a cut over his right eye, was in a defiant mood as he was brought across the court car park at Cork District Court for his court appearance. "I’m bruised but I’m not broken," he shouted as he was escorted into court by gardaí.
There was tight security around the court, including armed members of the Regional Support Unit.
Gda John McSweeney gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court that Mr Stapleton replied "I understand exactly what you are saying" to the stealing charge and "I understand completely" to the hijacking charge.
Insp Michael Maguire said gardai were seeking a remand in custody for a week for the DPP’s directions.
Mr Stapleton’s solicitor Frank Buttimer said his client was consenting and would not be making any application for bail.
Mr Buttimer also asked Judge David Riordan to convey to the governor of Cork Prison that Mr Stapleton had certain medical needs and that all necessary medical treatment should be made available to him while he is on remand.
Mr Buttimer also applied for free legal aid, saying his client was unemployed and had no assets.
Judge Riordan granted him free legal aid before remanding Mr Stapleton in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on May 30th.
