Judge questions authenticity of medical cert

"I'm refusing bail in this case for the alleged bogus excuse proffered by the accused," stated Judge Sean MacBride when a Monaghan man appeared before him at Cavan District Court charged with a number of offences. Noel McPhillips, Closdaw, Newbliss, was charged that on July 21 at Crossbane, Newbliss, he obstructed Sergeant Stephen Kelly in the course of his duty. He was also charged with possessing a stolen One Toku Rock Breaker valued €17,000. The defendant was further charged with damaging a front door to the value of €100 at Killydonnelly, Smithboro, the property of Seamus McCabe. He was also charged with trespassing a building the property of Mr. McCabe in such a manner as to cause fear or was likely to cause fear in another person at Crossbane, Newbliss, on the same occasion. Mr. McPhillips claimed he was ill and had gastroenteritis and that was why he could not sign on at Monaghan Garda Station. Judge MacBride said he didn't believe that the defendant was staying in another house with relatives when he should have been signing on. He didn't believe the defendant with regard to the fact he proffered retrospectively a medical certificate which alleged the accused had gastroenteritis. He didn't believe it was a genuine medical certificate and felt the defendant had written it himself. He told the prosecution to hold on the certificate to have it verified. There was no excuse for his failing to sign on at Monaghan Garda Station on Saturday, December 12. "The court simply doesn't believe the defendant's version of events", stated Judge MacBride. "The court certifies breach of bail and estreat's the €2000 cash bail which was lodged by the defendant", the Judge added. Judge MacBride remanded the defendant to Castlerea prison to appear at Monaghan District Court.