Ex-Ukrainian soldier breached US ambassador's residence in Dublin, court hears

Tom Tuite

A former Ukrainian soldier sparked a security alert when he scaled the walled moat and perimeter of the US ambassador to Ireland's official residence in Dublin, a court has heard.

Oleksandr Kucherenko, 33, of no fixed address, claimed to be sight-seeing after his arrest on Friday, after "wandering" into the grounds of the Deerfields residence in Phoenix Park.

He pleaded guilty on Saturday at Dublin District Court to trespassing in a manner likely to place another person in fear on June 13th.

Judge Michele Finan ordered him to make a donation to the Red Cross and adjourned his case, with bail and a daily signing on condition, until Friday.

Garda Martin Curley said the accused's reply to the charge was, "My behaviour would not have scared anyone; I was not drunk".

He had arrived in the country hours before his arrest but intends to leave as soon as possible.

Judge Finan noted a victim impact statement was not required.

The court heard the Ukrainian national tripped the perimeter alarm at 3:30 pm. Garda Curley said, "The accused crossed a moat and climbed an eight-foot wall into the property."

Security personnel detained the former soldier minutes later.

Defence barrister Kevin McCrave, instructed by solicitor Niall O'Connor, said Mr Kucherenko had been in the Ukrainian army and came to Ireland to visit friends in Claremorris, Co Mayo.

Mr Kucherenko did not address the court but briefed his barrister that he had "just landed, was sight-seeing and taking photographs around the city".

Counsel said the man "ended up in Phoenix Park and wandered into the grounds inadvertently", and he was apologetic.

The court heard his father also served in the military and was killed in action in the war against Russia, which led to the accused being allowed to leave the army.

He hoped to join other family members in Spain and claimed all he could donate to charity was €50, Judge Finan heard.

She ordered the accused, who is to stay in hostel accommodation, to sign on daily at a garda station, stay away from the ambassador's residence and have no direct or indirect contact with any of the occupants or by social media.

Legal aid was granted.