A judge in Dublin yesterday revoked bail for an alleged bogus charity collector for the Asian tsunami disaster, saying he was "the scum of the earth".
However, the defendant was later freed by the High Court following a habeas corpus application by his lawyers.
Judge John Coughlan made his comments after he decided to put Mr Eric Leahy into custody on a charge of posing as a collector for one of the disaster appeals in Mary Street, Dublin, on January 6th.
Mr Leahy (21), Lilac Grove, Martinstown, The Curragh, Co Kildare, was before Dublin District Court for a remand appearance.
His solicitor, Ms Fionnula O'Sullivan, asked for a six-week remand to allow the defence obtain statements from the prosecution outlining the evidence against him.
Garda Sgt Paul Doran said it would be alleged Mr Coughlan was collecting money for himself by pretending to be working on behalf of the disaster appeal.
Judge Coughlan asked why he was on bail given "the gravity of the offence".
Mr Leahy's solicitor said he had been granted Garda station bail after his arrest.
She asked that it be continued as he had turned up in court.
Judge Coughlan then put the case back to later in the morning "so I can have a think about it".
When it was called again, the judge said: "This is the guy who was allegedly collecting for the Indian Ocean fund but was collecting for himself.
"I am revoking bail because of the gravity of the offence", the judge said.
Ms O'Sullivan protested that it was still an allegation and that she "strongly opposed" the revoking of bail.
Judge Coughlan said he was remanding him in custody to appear again Cloverhill District Court on January 18th.
"The defendant is the scum of the earth, put him away," the judge said.
Then, addressing Ms O'Sullivan in relation to any legal moves she would take against his decision, the judge added: "You can tell them in the High Court precisely what I think. He is the scum of the earth".