A Galway man was remanded in custody yesterday on charges relating to an attack last Friday on the home of an elderly bachelor 10 miles from the city.
Mr Kevin Curran (22), of Castle Park, Ballybane, is charged with trespassing and entering the home of Mr Patrick Duggan (76), from Kiltrogue, Claregalway, on Friday morning. He is also charged with stealing £100 in cash from Mr Duggan.
Mr Curran gave no formal response when charged but in cross examination in Galway District Court, he said he pleaded guilty. "I pleaded guilty to this charge. I told the guards what I did was a mistake. I'm sorry for what I did to this man."
Mr Curran suffered injuries to his face and both eyes during the robbery, when a shotgun was discharged by Mr Duggan. He told the court he had suffered serious eye injuries. He was unable to see from one eye and had impaired vision in the other. He was taking eye drops and was due to have surgery on Monday to restore his sight. If that operation failed, then a further attempt would be made in a fortnight.
The accused man confirmed he had recently filled out an application for a passport and said he had intended to join his father in the US. "That was before ever I did my crime."
He said he would stand trial if released on bail.
Garda Insp Pat Forde, prosecuting, said he would object strongly to bail being granted. Details of the objection would be given by Det Garda Tom O'Shea.
Det Garda O'Shea said he had reason to believe the accused man would interfere with a witness who was elderly and lived in an isolated area. This witness had stated he was living in fear of his life. Gardai also had confidential information that Mr Curran would not stand trial if released on bail.
Mr Michael McDarby, defending, applying for bail, said the charges were not very serious but the consequences were very serious. "Let's not have the newspapers rule entirely," he said.
Judge John Garavan said if the newspapers were to be believed, Mr Curran was one of a number of people who had entered Mr Duggan's home on Friday morning. He had admitted stealing the money. Gardai had given evidence that he had intended to leave the State.
He refused the application for bail and remanded Mr Curran in custody until Monday.