Jail sentence for Navan man who ‘jumped the bench’

A 21 year old who "effectively jumped the bench" in Trim District Court after his bail was revoked has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Ike Odukwe from Beaufort, Navan was in Trim Circuit Court on 14th November this year charged with assault, criminal damage, and a public order offence.

Judge John Martin said that Mr Odukwe "effectively jumped the bench" when his bail was revoked in Trim District Court and it was lucky the clerk was not injured. Judge Martin said "these are the hazards of the job".

Judge Martin also said the evidence was “startling” and Mr Odukwe’s behaviour was appalling “not once but twice”.

The court heard on 20th April this year there was a report made to Gardaí of criminal damage at Beaufort Navan. It was reported that Mr Odukwe broke the front window of another person's home. When confronted by the owner of the home Mr Odukwe said "what are you going to do about it?".

The victim impact report from the injured party alleged before this incident occurred his 21 year old daughter was receiving a lot of undue attention from the accused.

The court heard when Gardaí arrived at the scene and the accused became hostile towards them, bouncing side to side with his fists clenched. He lunged at the Garda and they produced their batons. Garda Bellamy attempted an arrest and the accused pushed him to the ground. Garda Bellamy receiving grazing and scratching on his left side but did not require medical treatment. Further Gardaí came to assist and Mr Odukwe was arrested.

It was heard in court that during interviews following his arrest Mr Odukwe made full admissions and said "I was defending myself, one or two of them had to get dropped". The accused also admitted he threw stones at the injured party's window and broke it, leading to €700 in damages.

On 21st April in Trim District Court Mr Odukwe was given bail under conditions that he sign on at Navan Garda Station and make no contact with the injured party. The court heard he failed to sign on at the Garda station. He was arrested and brought to Trim District Court on 24th April and his bail was revoked by the judge.

The court heard that, following the judge’s decision to revoke his bail, he was reluctant to leave the court and the accused ran towards the judge’s bench. He gained access to the area between the judge and registrar and was acting aggressive. Gardaí attempted to restrain him but it was difficult due to his physicality. He was pepper sprayed by Garda Bellamy and the accused was subdued. He has been custody since this incident.

Defending Barrister, BL Niall Gallagher told the court while in custody he has been to psychiatric treatment and has been taking medication to treat his bipolar disorder. The accused was living in England but was suspended from college following an incident that BL Gallagher told the court is linked to his mental issues and he moved in with his mother living in Navan in December of last year. He told the court the accused wants to apologise to all injured parties.

Judge Martin said “you are a much calmer gentlemen” to the accused and even in extreme distress he took full account of his actions and pleaded guilty.

The Judge said his behaviour may be explained by mental health issues “but does not excuse it”. He said the accused is not a risk to anyone if he is on medication but that he does not believe “any of your conduct” would be worth anything but a custodial sentence.

Mr Odukwe was given an 18 months prison sentence backdated to 24th April this year.