Man charged over fake gun at youth centre

A man has been charged with possession of a realistic imitation firearm, following an incident in Tullamore's St Mary's Youth Centre. It's alleged he appeared in public at the community centre attended by children and teenagers, while in possession of the realistic imitation weapon on Monday evening last. Wojceich Clanet (38) of Church Hill, Tullamore, appeared before Judge Catherine Staines at Tullamore District Court on Wednesday, where Inspector Kieran Keyes said the incident was "quite terrifying for those involved." He did not object to bail for Clanet, who works in Tullamore, on condition that he desist from wearing army combat gear in public and desist from carrying imitation firearms. Clanet is also obliged to observe a curfew between 9pm and 8am and to remain sober. Solicitor Donal Farrelly said his client has no difficulty in complying with those conditions, and the case was adjourned to December 12 for DPP directions. It's alleged Clanet was drinking on the day of the incident, and Judge Staines refused legal aid on the basis that if Clanet could afford alcohol, he can afford to pay his legal fees.