There was a strong Garda presence at a special sitting of Limerick District Court today when seven men appeared on a variety of charges relating to an investigation into organised crime.
The alleged offences include charges of violent disorder, threatening to kill or cause serious harm, and demanding money with menaces.
The accused men were among nine people arrested in Limerick last Friday during a major garda operation, which involved 130 officers.
A man (19) also arrested in the same operation appeared before a special court sitting on Saturday on charges of demanding money with menaces.
There was a large Garda presence both inside and outside the court for yesterday's hearing, which lasted for over an hour.
Members of the armed Regional Support Unit were also present.
Among those who appeared before the special court sitting was Ger Dundon(25) of Hyde Road, Limerick who is charged with committing violent order at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen, on February 17th 2010.
Garda Brian Colbert gave evidence of formally charging the 24-year-old at Bruff Garda Station yesterday. In his evidence Garda Colbert said Mr Dundon replied 'Ye stitching me up again' after he was charged.
Barrister Shane O'Callaghan asked that Madden and Finnucane solicitors be assigned to represent Mr Dundon who was granted free legal aid.
No bail application was made and Mr Dundon was remanded in custody until this Friday, April 30th.
Judge Tom O'Donnell asked that the State be notified if bail was being sought on that date.
The only bail application was made on behalf of Michael Bridgeman, aged 51, Glenview, Ballyneety, Limerick who is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan at John Carew Park, Limerick, on unspecified dates between January 29th 2009 and February 12th 2010.
Mr Bridgeman is also charged with demanding money with menaces at the same location on the same dates.
During the bail application Det Supt Jim Browne said the state was objecting to bail because of the
seriousness of the charges.
Also appearing before today's special court sitting were Limerick brothers Christopher McCormack (27), McNamara Terrace, Wolfe Tone Street, Limerick and David McCormack(25) , Crecora Avenue, Weston, Limerick.
Both men are charged with committing violent order at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen, on February 17th 2010.
They were also remanded in custody until Friday along with a father and son who also appeared before yesterday's special sitting charged with demanding money with menaces at John Carew Park on unspecified dates between January 29th 2009 and February 27th 2009.
Gareth Keogh–Collins (27), Hyde Avenue, Limerick, and his father James Collins(47), of Crecora Avenue, Limerick, are also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan on October 17th 2009 at the Milk Market, Limerick, and with demanding money with menaces on the same date.
Mr Keogh-Collins is also charged with committing violent order at Sarsfield Avenue, Garryowen, on February 17th 2010.
Christopher McCarthy (27) Crecora Avenue, Limerick is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mark Heffernan on October 17th 2009 at the Milk Market, Limerick, and with demanding money with menaces on the same date.
Judge O'Donnell remanded Mr McCarthy along with the other accused men in custody until Friday when they are due to appear before the same court again. It's expected bail applications will be made on that date.