A man who was charged with road traffic offences appeared in court completely naked this weekend. 

Joseph Davis, 51, appeared before Judge Marie Quirke at a weekend sitting of Dublin District Court. 

Mr Davis, of Ashington Mews, Dublin 7, was charged with Road Traffic Act offences of failing to give Gardaí his details and moving his car during an alleged incident on Friday at Dunsink Drive in Finglas.  

 Judge Quirke heard the motorist refused to wear his clothes when brought to the courthouse. 

Mr Davis entered the stunned courtroom naked with his hands over his private parts, but within seconds he stood with arms outstretched to argue his case after rejecting the services of a lawyer. 

Garda Eva Mahedy said Mr Davis made no reply to the charge at Finglas station, where he was offered bail but refused to sign his bond. 

She added that there was no objection to his bail, but the Gardaí sought a €100 cash lodgement. 

"I don't see his wallet on him today," the judge remarked.

Mr Davis told the court he was “dropping off legal documents pertaining to a legal case in the High Court” when he was stopped by Gardaí. 

Mr Davis also demanded to know where his “emotional support” cat was. 

The judge was told that Mr Davis was previously allowed to bring the cat to court with him, provided he kept it on a leash. 

 Judge Quirke described it as "an impossible situation"; Mr Davis agreed and said, "Please, I need to find my animal. I'm lost without him, and he is lost without me". 

 Judge Quirke set his bail and directed immediate medical attention while he remained in custody. 

While escorted from the courtroom, he replied that he did not need a doctor, just his pet. The judge assured him, "All that will be looked into". 

 He has yet to plead to the charges and will appear at Cloverhill District Court on Tuesday. 

Reporting by Tom Tuite.