Stephen Alexander, 35, is charged after an alleged attack on a garda and damage worth over 1,200 euros to another officer’s private car in Athy. The incident dates back to 5 July. Sergeant Richard Gamble was driving through Athy when he encountered the defendant standing in the middle of the road. The man allegedly kicked the side doors of the car, causing 1,264 euros worth of damage. After he was arrested and brought to Athy Garda Station, the prosecution alleges he became highly aggressive and punched Garda Darren Hogan in the jaw, causing significant injury. Alexander appeared in Athy District Court this week on foot of a bench warrant after he failed to show up for court on 14 July. He told the court he was in hospital on that day, and the judge accepted the explanation. Sergeant Ruth Coleman informed the court of the charges, including criminal damage and a Section 19 breach of the Public Order Act, described as an assault on gardaí and first responders. Alexander declined local representation, saying his Navan solicitor was on strike. Judge Zaidan remanded him on continuing bail until 13 April for election, when he can decide whether to be tried by the district court judge or to elect for a jury trial in Naas Circuit Court.