Two men charged in connection to a suspected aggravated burglary at a house in Co Longford at the weekend have been remanded in custody.
John Ryan (34), Cashel Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin 12 and Noel Kinsella (41), St Anthony's Road, Rialto, Dublin 8, appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court on Monday.
Both were charged with trespassing at a house at Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on October 11th.
Mr Ryan was also charged with damaging a rear door at Longford Garda station following his arrest under Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act 1991.
Garda Angela Keegan told the court Mr Ryan made no reply to either charge. She said it was the State’s application to remand Mr Ryan in custody as more serious charges were expected to be brought.
Defence solicitor, Frank Gearty said while he would be making no objection to that request, he wanted to know the reasons behind such an application.
Garda Keegan replied Mr Ryan had a “history of non-appearance”.
Mr Gearty said Mr Ryan came from a stable background and was apologetic over what had occurred.
“He regrets the circumstances that led to his arrest,” he said, adding he was not going to pursue a bail application at this time.
Mr Gearty also revealed his client, who is unemployed, is on carer’s allowance for his wife who suffers from a visual impairment.
Judge Seamus Hughes sanctioned the free legal aid request before remanding him in custody to appear back before Harristown District Court on Friday.
His co-accused, Mr Kinsella appeared in court shortly before lunchtime. Garda Gary Beattie gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.
He said Mr Kinsella, who appeared wearing a white jumpsuit had “nothing to say” when the charge was put to him.
Garda Beattie said the reason for Mr Kinsella’s attire was because gardai had seized his clothes as part of the investigation.
Judge Hughes said he had read and heard snippets about the alleged incident in the media over the weekend and he inquired as to the alleged victims’ job titles.
Garda Beattie replied one was employed at a local supermarket while the other carried out computer and phone repairs.
Defence solicitor Philip Hannon said his client would not be making a bail application at this time, prompting the judge to remand Mr Kinsella to appear back before Harristown District Court this Friday.
A request for legal aid was also granted.