A 47-year-old man has appeared in court in Wexford accused of not wearing a mask in a supermarket and refusing to identify himself to gardaí.
Christopher Cussens, of Ballymacoonoghue, The Ballagh, Enniscorthy, appeared before Wexford District Court charged with not wearing a face covering at Pettit's SuperValu in Wexford and failing to provide his name and address.
Garda Geoff Scally told the court that Mr Cussens was arrested yesterday morning and in reply to the first charge he replied "I'm a private man", to the second charge he replied "Ní seasann fuath".
The garda also said Mr Cussens claimed he was exempt but gave no reason.
Mr Cussens declined the services of a solicitor and chose to represent himself.
"I didn't break the law," he told the court. "I wanted to leave, I had finished my shopping, I was at the dog food section and I wanted to pay and leave."
He also said he did not wear a mask on religious grounds. He said he was an orthodox Christian who has deregistered from the Catholic Church and it was against his belief to cover up his face.
He also said he had been shopping at Pettitt's since March, he was amazed the gardaí were called and told the judge he was sorry for the inconvenience.
Judge John Cheatle granted Mr Cussens bail on condition he comply with all Covid-19 regulations and wear a face mask while shopping.
He is due back in court in April.
