BAIL has been granted for a Donegal man who claimed he had Covid-19 as he spat at hospital staff.
Patrick (Paddy) Boyle (aged 45) of Oldtown, Letterkenny appeared before Letterkenny District Court via video link from Castlerea Prison.
It is alleged that Boyle, after being arrested for a public order offence in Letterkenny on April 10, spat at a paramedic and another member of staff at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Gardaí objected to bail for Boyle, who has been in custody since the date of the alleged offences.
Boyle faces a number of charges, including one of criminal damage to a cell at Letterkenny Garda Station following his arrest.
Solicitor for Boyle, Kieran Dillon, asked Judge Paul Kelly to take account of his client’s changed demeanour.
“He is a changed man from the day he was here in court,” Judge Kelly noted. “His condition at the time was very unhelpful, particularly to him.”
A file is awaited from the Director of Public Prosecution on the matter.
Boyle was bailed on his own bond of €100 and is to have no contact with any witnesses, be of good behaviour and to remain sober.
The case was adjourned until May 11.