Man alleged to have produced a chainsaw in a pub appears in court

A man charged with bringing a chainsaw into an Athlone pub and threatening to decapitate another man has appeared before a sitting of Athlone District Court where it was heard the State is still awaiting DPP directions.

Darren Murray (45), with an address at Coolevin Park, Coosan, Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens, charged with trespass and, separately, with producing a chainsaw intended to intimidate another.

The trespassing charge relates to November 27, 2025, when it is alleged Mr Murray entered the curtilage of a building at Coosan Point Road in such a manner that was likely to cause fear in another person.

Three days later, on November 30, 2025, it is alleged that, after he was refused alcohol at a pub on Church Street, Athlone, he returned with a chainsaw, intending to intimidate another person by threatening to decapitate him.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are still pending, Sergeant Paul McNally told the court.

Mr Murray will reappear before the court on January 21, when he is expected to apply for bail. He was remanded in custody until that date.