A man who had his van seized by Gardaí told officers that he would do what was done to tragic Garda Robbie McCallion who was killed in the line of duty.
Alex Peoples, 46, with an address of Drumkeen, Lifford appeared in court in relation to an incident which occurred on May 25th 2015 at Ballybofey Garda station.
An irate Mr Peoples stormed into the station demanding his van be returned to him.
Gardaí had seized the van and were carrying out a PSV inspection on the vehicle, due to an alleged ramming incident involving Gardaí.
Inspector Michael Harrison told the court, “The defendant came into Ballybofey Garda Station and demanded his van be returned to him.
“Gardaí informed him that the PSV inspection hadn’t been completed, and that they couldn’t return the van to him.
“At this point, Mr Peoples became extremely aggressive and confrontational.
“Gardaí stressed to the defendant that the PSV inspection was on-going, and that the van couldn’t be returned until it was completed.
“Mr Peoples said if I don’t get my van back, I’ll kill someone or something.
“He continued to be aggressive, Gardaí repeatedly told him he was not getting his van back, and asked him to calm down.
“Mr Peoples said you had no right to take my van, I want it back, if I don’t get my van back, I’ll do something that was done to McCallion.”
Solicitor for the defendant Ciaran MacLochlainn said his client had asked for items out of his van.
Inspector Michael Harrison replied, “He didn’t ask for any items out of the van, he asked for the van back.”
Mr Peoples was charged with threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, and he has already pleaded guilty to the breach of peace.
Solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn had requested two witnesses to take the stand in relation to the alleged ramming incident involving the van, but neither turned up, despite being told they had to attend.
Judge Paul Kelly issued a bench warrant for the arrest of both witnesses, and adjourned the case until June 16th.
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