Fr Cleary son charged with assault and cannabis possession
Actor and model Ross Hamilton, who is charged with assault and unlawful possession of cannabis, was again remanded on continuing bail today pending directions from the DPP.
The defendant - a son of Fr Michael Cleary, one of Ireland's best known priests who died in 1993 - appeared at Dublin District Court for a third time since he was charged.
Mr Hamilton (aged 33), of Whitworth Road, in Phibsoro, in Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to a male, breach of the peace and being intoxicated in public at Prospect Way, in Glasnevin, in Dublin, on October 1 last.
He also faces charges for simple possession of a quantity of cannabis and violent behaviour at Mountjoy garda station, on the same date.
Judge Denis McLoughlin heard today that the DPP's directions were not yet available. A garda sergeant told the judge that a medical report from the Mater Hospital was “forthcoming” and expected to be obtained within two weeks.
Defence solicitor Grainne Whelan said the case had been before the court since October and since then her client has abided by his bail conditions including signing on daily at his local garda station.
She also said that earlier the court had directed the State to provide disclosure of CCTV evidence but there had not been compliance with that order.
Judge McLoughlin agreed to give the State further time and acceded to a defence request to relax Mr Hamilton's signing on conditions to once a week.
Mr Hamilton who was wearing a grey sweater, blue jeans and a black jacket, was remanded to appear again on January 21 next.
Directions from the DPP are being sought in relation to whether the case should stay in the District Court or instead be sent forward to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.
Following the death of Fr Cleary, who was popularly known as the “Singing Priest”, it was revealed that he had fathered two children with his housekeeper Phyllis Hamilton with whom he had a relationship for 26 years.
Their first child was given up for adoption, while their second son, Ross, lived in Dublin at parochial house in Harold's Cross, with Fr Cleary and Ms Hamilton, who died in 2001.
