Young man arrested at Cork's Kent Station on 2019 drugs charge thought gardaí would 'just forget about it'

A young man who was hoping that two five-year-old bench warrants on drug-dealing and public order charges had been forgotten by the gardaí was arrested on the platform at Kent railway station yesterday evening.

Detective Garda Ruairí McGovern said in court today that gardaí were objecting to bail being granted to the young man, Benjamin Schweizer who was previously living at Classis Lake, Ovens, County Cork.

Det Garda McGovern testified that when the 29-year-old was asked for his name the defendant gave a false name. Det Garda McGovern said that as it happened, the name given was of somebody known to the detective, and was clearly not the accused.

Solicitor Eddie Burke acknowledged that the defendant gave a false name, but said that as soon as he sat into the garda vehicle outside the railway station, he gave the correct name.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy cross-examined the young man during his bail application, asking him why he gave a false name and he said he panicked.

The first bench warrant related to charges from May 1 2019 at College Square, College Road, Cork, where he is charged with having cannabis and possession of the drug for sale or supply. 

The second warrant relates to charges including assaulting and obstructing Garda Iain King at Little William Street, Cork, on June 28 2020.

Sgt Murphy asked the defendant why he had not dealt with those warrants and court appearances in the past five years. 

He replied: “I thought they would just forget about it.” 

Det Garda McGovern said his concern was that the accused would leave the jurisdiction.

Mr Burke said the young man was welcome to live with his sister at Lucan in Dublin.

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail on condition that he would live there and sign daily at Lucan garda station. He was also required to surrender his passport.

The case was adjourned until September 26.