Man allegedly left Dublin restaurant diners in the dark

Enda Murray (38) is accused of getting into a staffroom and turning off the power, forcing the restaurant to stop serving meals.

He is also charged with a separate burglary at a house and other offences on the same day in a south county Dublin neighbourhood.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican refused to grant him bail and remanded him in custody when he appeared before Dublin District Court.

Mr Murray, of Bellavista, Deansgrange Road, Dún Laoghaire, is charged with causing criminal damage as a trespasser.

The offence is alleged to have happened at Osteria, Monkstown Village, on August 17.

Objecting to bail, the prosecuting garda said Mr Murray was alleged to have entered a staff-only area in the restaurant, where he turned off the electricity, causing lost business.

Disturbed

This happened at 8.30pm after he was refused entry, the garda said.

It was alleged the restaurant could no longer function on the day due to his actions, as customers had to leave.

It was further alleged that Mr Murray carried out a burglary at a house at Ashton Park, Monkstown, at 9.15pm that night.

He was disturbed by the owner and fled the scene, but was seen on CCTV and apprehended 500 metres away.

When asked about this in interview, he said he had entered the house to seek directions.

It was alleged he tried the door handle of another house on the same street.

He was also alleged to have entered a vehicle parked in the driveway of a house at nearby Windsor Park, Monkstown, and "rooted through" the glovebox.

Applying for bail, defence barrister Garrett Casey said the accused, who denied the offences, was presumed innocent and would say CCTV footage he was shown was not clear. The garda replied that it was "quite clear".

The accused had a daughter who was due to emigrate to Australia. Mr Murray was anxious to see her before she leaves.