A NEPHEW of Limerick gangland victim Kieran Keane was one of two men remanded in custody yesterday charged with possession of a loaded Glock pistol on the outskirts of the city over the weekend.
Liam Keane (23), Singland, Ballysimon, and Greg Crawford (20), St Munchin’s Street, St Mary’s Park, both Limerick, appeared before Limerick District Court following their arrest early on Sunday morning.
The pair are each accused of having the Glock pistol and 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition at Athlunkard Road, Corbally, Limerick, on May 4th.
They were arrested shortly before 2am following a high-speed chase involving local gardaí and members of the Emergency Response Unit.
Judge Tom O’Donnell was told yesterday that each of the defendants was formally charged by detectives late on Monday night and that neither made any reply to the charges.
Mr Keane, who did not speak in court, wore a grey sports top throughout the hearing and his right arm was in a cotton sling.
Mr Crawford wore a navy and blue track-suit top and, he too, did not speak during the brief court appearance.
Each of the men was granted free legal aid by Judge O’Donnell and solicitor John Herbert was assigned to represent them.
Insp Pat Connolly applied to have the men remanded in custody for a week and Mr Herbert indicated he would not be applying for bail for either of his clients.
The judge remanded both men in custody until May 13th. He said if bail was sought on the next court date, the State should be given adequate notice by lawyers for the men.