Judge orders Fr Ted actor to be arrested

Gerard McSorley. Photo: Damien Eagers

Tom Tuite

A JUDGE has ordered the arrest of screen actor Gerard McSorley after he failed to turn up to court to face a breach of the peace charge.

The 63-year-old, who famously played the role of crime boss John Gilligan in the hit film Veronica Guerin, is originally from Omagh, but has an address in Bunbeg, Co Donegal, had been arrested earlier this month and was charged at a Dublin Garda station.

Bail

The theatre, television and film actor was given station bail to appear at Dublin District Court and when his case was called a Garda sergeant furnished Judge Hugh O'Donnell with a certificate with the details of Mr McSorley's arrest, charge and cautioning.

Judge O'Donnell noted that there was no appearance by the defendant and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The charge before the court related to an alleged breach of the peace charge under Section Six of the Public Order Act.

He is accused of engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at St Stephen's Green, on November 6 last. The offence on conviction can carry a possible three-month sentence and/or a fine.

The actor has appeared in a string of films including Omagh, War Horse, The Constant Gardener, Angela's Ashes and played "Father Todd Unctuous" in an episode of Father Ted.

hnews@herald.ie