A gravedigger in his 60s has appeared at Cork District Court on criminal damage charges following an incident in a graveyard in Ballincollig where 16 graves were vandalised.
When the 16 charges of criminal damage of graves were put to him, Pat McSweeney of Marian Terrace in Grange, Douglas, Cork, replied to each of the charges "I can't argue with that."
The charges relate to the vandalism of sixteen graves on Friday night/Saturday morning at the Church of St Mary and St John's graveyard in Ballincollig.
Some of the headstones were smashed or pushed to the ground while graffiti was daubed on others.
Garda Gary Brennan gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. He told the court that he arrested Mr McSweeney this morning shortly before 8am.
The accused was detained and questioned at Togher Garda Station.
Sergeant Pat Lyons told Judge Olann Kelleher that there was no objection to bail once a number of conditions were adhered to by the defendant.
These included that Mr McSweeney would stay out of graveyards in Cork city and county except in the event of a family bereavement. However, advance notice of that attendance would be required.
He has to sign on twice weekly at his local Garda station. He also has to reside at his home address and notify Gardai of any change of address.
Frank Buttimer, defending solicitor, said that his client was willing to abide by the bail conditions.
Judge Kelleher remanded McSweeney on bail to appear before the district court again on 18 May. This will allow for the preparation of a Garda file and for DPP directions in the case.
