24-year-old Eoin Berkeley from Finglas in Dublin (pictured above) is accused of criminal damage to the front of The George on May 20 last. He appeared at Cloverhill District Court yesterday, where Judge Victor Blake further remanded him in custody.

Homophobic language and a swastika drawn in chalk had to be removed from the pub’s facade after the alleged incident.

It was heard during Berkeley’s court appearance that the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed summary disposal of the case.

This means it should stay in the district court and not go forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

Judge Blake accepted jurisdiction for it to remain in the district court but remarked it was a “borderline case”.

He adjourned the case until November 15 next when Mr Berkeley, who was accompanied by his solicitor, will be expected to formally tell the court how he is going to plead.

The offence at district court level can carry a sentence of up to one year.