Dublin Man Denied Bail After Alleged Chainsaw Incident and Custody Disturbance

Dublin, Ireland – A 31-year-old man accused of wielding a running chainsaw as a weapon on a Dublin street has been denied bail after a dramatic court hearing. Jason Gumble, a father of two from Drumalee Avenue, Dublin 7, was arrested on Friday afternoon following multiple emergency calls about a man allegedly brandishing a chainsaw near Old Cabra Road. The court also heard that while in custody, he defecated in his cell and smeared excrement on the walls.

Appearing before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court on Saturday, Gumble faced multiple charges, including the production of a chainsaw as a weapon, unlawful possession of a knife, possession of cocaine, possession of drugs for supply, and criminal damage. Garda Eoin Begley told the court that emergency services received several 999 calls about a man allegedly using a running chainsaw in an aggressive manner. A witness claimed to have seen Gumble wielding the chainsaw before meeting a group of men. When gardaí arrived, Gumble allegedly fled while carrying a heavy canvas bag, which he later discarded. The bag was recovered and contained an "extremely hot" chainsaw that had been running moments earlier. Following a brief foot chase, Gardaí apprehended and searched the accused, reportedly finding prescription drugs in his possession.

While in custody at Mountjoy Garda Station, Gumble allegedly attempted to conceal drugs on his person, later retrieved and attempted to consume them, and became aggressive toward Gardaí. Further compounding the charges, Garda Begley told the court that Gumble defecated in his cell and smeared it on the walls. Despite being offered clean clothing and moved to another cell, he deliberately repeated the act.

During the bail hearing, Gumble denied all allegations, branding them “lies” and claiming he was being harassed. He insisted there was no reason to object to his bail and repeatedly interrupted the proceedings, prompting a warning from the judge. His defence counsel, Kevin McCrave, argued that this was a bail hearing, not a trial, and that his client was entitled to the presumption of innocence. He pointed out that no independent witness was present in court, and the arresting officer had not directly seen Gumble wielding the chainsaw. Counsel also suggested that another individual may have been present with a chainsaw, but Garda Begley dismissed this as unlikely, stating that video evidence had been provided to authorities.

Despite Gumble's plea to be released on bail to reside with his family, and his counsel’s assurances that he would comply with a curfew, Judge Murphy refused the application, citing the serious nature of the charges and concerns over public safety. Gumble remains in custody pending further court proceedings.