Man accused of ‘crime spree’ against children throws bottle at judge

A Limerick man allegedly threatened to shoot a 13-year-old boy during a 20-minute "violent crime spree" where he specifically targeted schoolchildren whom he also threatened to stab, a court has heard.

The evidence was heard at Limerick District Court where Clyde Keogh (20), Ballyclough Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was charged with three counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery of four schoolchildren during early-morning rush hour in Limerick city.

After a contested bail hearing where Mr Keogh was refused bail, the man, in a fit of anger, threw a bottle of cola in the direction of presiding Judge Marian O’Leary, narrowly missing the judge’s bench.

Commenting after the violent outburst, the judge expressed her dissatisfaction that Mr Keogh could have had something capable of being used as a missile in court and asked that prisoners not be allowed have such items in future.

Objecting to bail

During the hearing, Sgt Donal Cronin said the State was objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the charges. Outlining the allegations, Det Garda Enda Haugh of Mayorstone Garda station said it is alleged Mr Keogh engaged in a 20-minute violent

crime spree

during the early-morning rush hour period of January 25 last, when he “specifically targeted schoolchildren in a violent manner”. It is alleged Mr Keogh threatened to stab a 15-year-old boy as he was walking to school on Athlunkard Street at 7.55am, warning him he had a knife after attempting to rob him of his mobile phone.

It is also alleged that 10 minutes later, Mr Keogh threatened to stab an 18-year-old sixth-year student who was also walking to school on Athlunkard Street after robbing him of his mobile phone.

The court was also told how a 13-year-old boy told gardaí that Mr Keogh allegedly threatened to shoot him if he did not hand over his phone.

Mr Keogh was remanded in custody until next Tuesday when he is due to appear before the same court again via video link.