A 58-YEAR-OLD CO Laois man accused of causing a bomb scare at St James’s Hospital in Dublin has been sent forward for trial.

Christopher Ward, with an address at the Waterfront Apartments, French Church Street, Portarlington, had appeared at Dublin District Court in September for a contested hearing.

He denied charges of criminal damage at the hospital on 3 September, 2023, and threatening staff that he would cause criminal damage.

His non-jury trial opened before Judge John Hughes.

However, after hearing some of the prosecution’s evidence, the judge revisited the jurisdiction issue and held that the case was too serious to be dealt with at the District Court level.

He held that the accused should be tried before a jury at a higher level.

The prosecution served Mr Ward with a book of evidence today before Judge Hughes granted a return-for-trial order sending his case to the Circuit Court, which can, on conviction, impose more severe sentences.

The case will be listed for mention on 29 January. Another trespassing charge is to be added to the indictment later. Mr Ward was remanded on bail.

Earlier, the District Court heard that it was alleged a hospital security guard stated the accused told him he had a bomb, and the witness said the accused had a box with a phone stuck on top.

It was claimed that Mr Ward previously had a spinal injury, which was his reason for being there, and that he had a “grievance” with the hospital and its CEO.

Judge Hughes heard the accused was in a staff area, wearing a COVID-19 facemask. The security guard thought he was intoxicated and aggressive in tone.

The court heard that he told the investigating garda that it was a “shell bomb”.