Case not ready to go on after Donegal man brought from prison for third time

A Donegal Judge has expressed frustration at some cases not proceeding when defendants are brought to court from prison.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham was speaking in the matter of Andrew Bladek, who was taken to Letterkenny District Court from Castlerea Prison, where he is currently in custody.

Judge Cunningham was informed that matters could not proceed when Bladek, a 23-year-old of Glenpatrick, Donegal Road, Ballybofey, was brought to the body of the court by prison officers.

This was the third such occurrence in the case. 

“There is a cost to the taxpayer when production orders are granted and matters do not proceed,” Judge Cunningham said. “This is the third time that he has been brought to court and we have not been able to address matters.”

Judge Cunningham acknowledged that this was for a “variety of reasons”.

Bladek’s solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien, told the court that there was a “large volume” of matters for which Bladek had been charged and he added that “the complexity of some allegations aren’t straightforward”.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are outstanding on some charges.

Mr O’Brien said one matter would require an early hearing date.

Bladek faces several charges including the production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury; assault; and public order charges. 

Bladek was remanded in custody to appear again by video link on October 14 to allow the relevant parties to be in a position to subsequently deal with all matters.