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.
Westmeath Tidy Towns Chair Calls For Village Bypass
Community Collaboration Helping Westmeath Villages Thrive
Midlands Craft Shop Owner Thanks Community For 15 Years Of Support
Doctor Admits Careless Driving Causing Death Of Six Year Old Daughter In Midlands Crash.
Laois Festival Named One Of Ireland’s Most Photogenic Festival
Mark Glennon Appointed General Manager Of Westmeath Hotel
€100k Awarded To Youth Project In Laois
Catherine Fitzgerald Elected Cathaoirleach Of Laois County Council.
Bill Collentine Elected Cathaoirleach Of Westmeath County Council.
Man Pleads Guilty To Midlands Stag-Night Killing In 2022
Gardaí Searching For Missing Midlands Man
Cabinet To Sign Off On Overhaul For Rural And Gaeltacht Housing
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Expected To Reach 10,000
Three Laois Men Fined Thousands After Illegal Removal Of Native Hedgerow
All Aboard! Electric Picnic Reveals Salty Dog Lineup
Westmeath Council Introduces New Rent Rules For Carers
Fuel Excise Cuts Extended Until September
Man Arrested In Laois Pleads Guilty Of Terrorist Plot On Galway Mosque
Teenager Dies Following Carlow Crash Overnight
Tributes Pouring In For Westmeath Malaga Victims