AN ACCUSED man before the Limerick courts told a judge that he will be conducting his own defence. He also told the court that he wishes to remain in prison while his case is being prepared.
Martin Blunny (37), of no fixed abode, was before the Limerick District Court on charges of possession of a knife, theft of items from Ryan’s Centra worth €33, and public order offences.
Mr Blunny appeared by video link from Limerick Prison before Judge Patrica Harney, who asked the accused if he wanted a solicitor to represent him. He replied that he would be representing himself.
He told Judge Harney that he is applying for disclosure, meaning copies of any statements or evidence which the State intends to use in prosecuting him.
The court heard that these documents had already been sent to solicitor Sarah Ryan, who had previously been representing Mr Blunny, and she agreed she would forward them to him.
Asked if he was applying for bail, Mr Blunny said he wanted to be remanded in custody (kept in jail) while awaiting a date for hearing of his case.
Judge Harney asked if he is “comfortable enough where you are?” and he replied “application is for remand in custody”.
After seeing a picture of the knife that was alleged to have been in Mr Blunny’s possession, Judge Harney agreed that it was a small knife and accepted jurisdiction to hear the case in the district court on that basis, rather than sending the case on to the circuit court where penalties can be more severe.
The case was put back to January 30 when, Judge Harney told Mr Blunny that he will be required to either plead guilty and have the matter dealt with or plead not guilty and have a date set for trial.
– Court Reporting Scheme