The trial has been moved to the circuit court in Dublin in October.
A 57-year-old Laois man has pleaded not guilty to causing a bomb scare at St James's Hospital in Dublin.
Christopher Ward, with an address at the Waterfront Apartments, French Church Street, Portarlington, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday for his contested hearing.
He has denied charges of criminal damage at the hospital on September 3, 2023, as well as trespassing to commit an offence and threatening staff that he would cause criminal damage.
His non-jury trial opened before Judge John Hughes
However, after hearing some of the prosecution's evidence, the judge revisited the issue of jurisdiction and held that the case was too serious to be dealt with at the district Court level.
He believed the man should be tried before a jury in the Circuit Court, which can, on conviction, impose more severe sentences.
During the hearing yesterday, the court heard from two witnesses before the judge changed the trial venue.
A hospital security guard alleged the accused told him he had a bomb and the witness said the accused had a red-shaped box with a phone stuck on top.
It was alleged that Mr Ward previously had a spinal injury, which was his reason for being there, and that he had a "grievance" with the hospital and its CEO.
Judge Hughes heard the accused was in a staff area, wearing a COVID-19 facemask. The security guard thought he was intoxicated and aggressive in tone.
Defence counsel Fergal McMorrow said his client believed that the security man was intoxicated, a claim rejected by the witness.
It was alleged he told the investigating garda that it was a "shell bomb".
After the ruling changing Mr Ward's trial venue, he was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on October 20.
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