A BENCH warrant has been issued for a woman who ripped out pages in a public book of condolence for hero garda Tony Golden.

Aine Rigney (53) appeared before Blanchardstown District Court yesterday, but left the courthouse prior to sentencing, telling the judge she had "enough of this charade".

She was before the court after a judge ordered a psychiatric report, which was unavailable as Rigney has "a strong fear of psychiatric services".

Rigney previously claimed she knew she had ripped pages from a book but didn't realise it was a book of condolence.

Gda Golden was shot dead after responding to a domestic disturbance in Omeath, Co Louth in October 2015.

Judge David McHugh said he required a psychiatric report prior to sentencing as what happened was "an outrage" and he needed to know if the incident was random or premeditated.

Rigney, of The Avenue, St Patrick's Park in Celbridge, Co Kildare had admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to damaging a public book of condolence on October 27, 2015.

Sergeant Mary Doherty previously said Rigney was verbally abusive to gardai when she came into Lucan Garda Station.

Sgt Doherty said she was arrested and placed in a cell. She was later released around 1am but hung around the station.

Rigney was directed to leave the station but failed to do so.

The sergeant said Rigney pulled a number of pages from a book of condolence for Gda Golden and ran away.

Sgt Doherty said the prosecuting garda believed her actions were "quite intentional".

Solicitor Simon Fleming said Rigney had "a strong fear of psychiatric services".

He said this incident has been "a huge stressor" for Rigney, who was "in a highly emotional state" on the night in question.

Sick

He said the only way a psychiatric report could be completed was if Judge McHugh remanded Rigney in custody for the preparation of a report.

He asked the judge not to do this, saying the defendant "has a fear of going into custody".

The case was put to second calling after Rigney shouted at the judge she had "enough of this charade", claiming she'd got out of her sick bed to attend court.

When the case was called again, Rigney failed to appear and Judge McHugh issued a bench warrant.

Online Editors