A father-of-one was refused bail today after he was charged over a burglary at the home of Minister of Justice Alan Shatter on Sunday night.
Darragh Heavey (25) of Moeran Road, Walkinstown, Dublin, was charged with trespassing at the Minister's house at Delbrook Manor in Ballinteer, Dublin, with intent to commit theft of two watches of unknown value belonging to Mr Shatter.
No one was home at the time of the incident which is alleged to have occurred as Mr Shatter was abroad representing the Government at St Patrick's Day celebrations in Australia.
Mr Heavey was arrested near Mr Shatter's home.
Det Sgt Eugene Stapleton told Judge Clare Leonard that Mr Heavey was charged at Dundrum Garda station last night. Mr Heavey, who is unemployed, had nothing to say in reply to caution, Dún Laoghaire District Court heard.
Legal aid was granted to Mr Heavey.
Det Sgt Stapleton objected to bail citing the seriousness of the offence and strength of evidence.
Defence solicitor Peter Connolly said his client was taking part in vocational courses and had suffered from depression in the past. In an application for bail, he said Mr Heavey would abide by any conditions set down by the court including a curfew.
He also said that directions from the DPP had not yet been obtained.
Judge Leonard refused bail and remanded Mr Heavey, who was dressed in a tracksuit, in custody to appear again on March 27th.
She noted that the DPP's directions may not be available on that date and was told that the injured party, Mr Shatter, was still out of the country.