A court has heard a Dublin man is alleged to have coughed and spat at a Garda after telling him he had tested positive for Covid-19.
James Farrell, with an address at St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, was being arrested at the time in connection with a spate of burglaries.
Gardaí investigating a number of burglaries in the Ballyfermot area on Tuesday gave chase to a man they believed fitted a description given to them by an affected homeowner.
James Farrell was arrested a short time later, and Det Garda Daniel Sweetman told the court today it will be alleged that he coughed on the chest and arms of his colleague during the course of his arrest after indicating he had Covid-19.
Det Sweetman claimed he then spat on his colleague while they were putting him into the Garda van.
He said Mr. Farrell later told them he hadn’t been tested for the virus.
As well as the assault charges, he is also charged with five burglaries, an attempted burglary and motor theft.
The court heard it will be alleged that the burglar told one woman who came downstairs to find him in her living room that he’d bomb her and come back with an army.
Farrell’s bail application was refused today and he was remanded in custody to appear in court again later this month.
*Reporting by Frank Greaney
