Cobh man who allegedly breached ban to stay away from RTÉ says the broadcaster is 'bugging' his phone

A ban to stay away from RTÉ premises and staff in Cork was allegedly breached by a 47-year-old man who said he would stay away if RTÉ stopped ‘bugging’ his Samsung phone.

Shane Matthews, whose address is an apartment at 15 Harbour Row, Cobh, appeared at Cork District Court today, where Sergeant Aisling Murphy said there was an objection to bail.

Garda Tracey Fleming outlined that the accused was granted bail in June arising out of alleged incidents at RTÉ on Father Mathew Quay, Cork, in June. 

And he had been on similar bail from February. Bail conditions required him not to attend at this premises. But, it is now alleged that he breached it on July 17, by standing outside the building and shouting, that he left but returned a short later and threatened: “I will be back again and again and again.” 

The defendant presented himself at the Bridewell garda station on Tuesday July 28 and there was a warrant to arrest him, which was executed.

Allegation of throwing paint at RTÉ's front door

By way of background, Shane Matthews is currently before Cork District Court on two counts of criminal damage to RTÉ at Fr Mathew Quay, by allegedly throwing red paint at the front door on January 31 and February 6.

He was on bail when he allegedly breached the terms by shouting abuse and threats outside the premises on June 10. He was charged with threatening behaviour and granted bail again on June 17.

Today, he was before the court in relation to the July 14 alleged breach, where he has now been charged again with engaging in threatening behaviour.

Shane Matthews said that he was writing on his Samsung device when he lost all of what he had written and he blamed RTÉ, saying they had his device bugged. 

In court today he said: “There is a law against RTÉ bugging my device… I am shaking because it is so annoying.” 

Asked today if he would stay away from RTÉ, he said: “I will, if RTÉ stop bugging my phone.” 

Judge David Waters said: “Clearly, he is not going to comply with bail. I remand him in custody to August 5 for DPP directions. I am going to direct he receive any appropriate medical attention when he is in custody.” 

Mr Matthews said the reason he went to the Bridewell garda station yesterday was to make a complaint against someone causing fire damage to his apartment.