Bingo organiser charged with lockdown breach at event in Tallaght

John Kelly, of Sallins Pier, Sallins, Co. Kildare, appeared before Judge Marie Quirke at Dublin District Court yesterday in a case brought under section 15 of the Gambling and Lotteries Act 1956.

Garda Sergeant Eimear Lamont told Judge Quirke that before the court were ten summons, of which two were under the Covid regulations.

Mr Kelly told Judge Quirke told the court he still needed a solicitor and applied for legal aid.

Judge Quirke informed him that he was accused of breaking the covid laws and lotteries legislation which allegedly occurred at Jack Potts Bingo in Tallaght.

She granted legal aid after noting he was no longer employed and was getting the Jobseekers Allowance.

He said he learned about the case when the sergeant delivered summonses and thought the firm that formerly employed him should have been before the court.

Judge Quirke noted a solicitor was present, keeping a “watching brief” on behalf of the firm.

The case was adjourned for three weeks, and it will then be listed for mention after the court heard the sergeant would provide disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence.

Judge Quirke said she could then set a later hearing date if required.