A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 57-year-old man who failed to appear in court to face charges of making menacing calls to Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon.
Mr Cannon received calls on three occasions last year from a man who identified himself as James Killen, with an address at Árd Esker, Athenry in Co Galway.
The Fine Gael TD complained to gardaí after the final call, which he said left him fearing for his personal safety and that of his wife.
In a statement to gardaí, he described the calls as abusive and threatening and said they were deeply concerning.
Mr Cannon was present in court for the hearing where he would have given sworn evidence if the case had proceeded.
Mr Killen is a native of Derry and has been living in Athenry since 2005.
He is charged with making the menacing calls in February, May and June of last year.
At a previous court hearing, the court was told that Mr Killen had indicated that he would be contesting the charges.
The case was adjourned to a sitting of Loughrea District Court today.
Solicitor for the defendant, John Nash, told the court that he had not heard from his client and agreed to a bench warrant being issued.
