A 39 year old man has appeared in court charged in connection with a public order disturbance at Galway Courthouse.

Stephen Brannigan, with an address at Cope Hostel, Westside House, Seamus Quirke Road, faces three charges arising from alleged incidents at the courthouse on October 6.

He is accused of a breach of the peace offence contrary to section 6 of the Public Order Act; failing to comply with the direction of a garda contrary to section 8 of the Public Order Act.

He is also charged with willfully. obstructing / resisting a peace officer — Sergeant Damien Prendergast — in the execution of his duty, contrary to section 19 of the Act.

At Galway District Court, Sgt Prendergast gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

The court heard Brannigan made no reply to two charges and, in reply to a third, said “I got out of prison and I get fresh charges in the post. I was accused of having a flick knife”.

The accused told the court he wanted to represent himself but after a number of what Judge Fiona Lydon said were “outrageous interruptions”, the court assigned solicitor Jack Donchue.

Sgt Prendergast said there was no objection to bail subject to Brannigan abiding by certain conditions.

The accused must observe a curfew, be of good behaviour and attend all court appointments.

The State also sought a cash lodgement of €300 and Brannigan said he had no money and was “financially embarrassed”.

The case was adjourned after it was put to the accused a lodgement of €100 would be acceptable.

When the case resumed, the court heard a friend had offered Brannigan the money but he refused.

He told the court he should not be forced to take money from an “old lady”.

Judge Lydon remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail.

■ Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.