Elderly man assaulted during alleged burglary, Kildare court hears
Photo for illustrative purposes only
TWO of the three men who came to allegedly burgle homes in south Kildare that left an elderly man injured and bereft of €9,000, saw two of them remanded back into custody again, and one remanded on continuing bail.
Andrew Cash (29) of Ardriskin Heights, Tullow, Co Carlow, and Niall Byrne (30), Flat 1, Harney’s Takeaway, Ballyedmond, Co Wexford both appeared at Naas District Court recently by videolink from custody, whilst the third, Johnny Berry (38), of Graigueowen, Tullow, Co Carlow appeared in person.
All three were charged with trespass, theft and assault causing harm at two addresses in Ballitore, Athy on 27 January.
Mr Cash – charged with two counts of burglary, and one of assault causing harm - was first to appear, and his barrister Donnacha Craddock arguing for his client’s release on bail, saying: “We believe CCTV can put him elsewhere.” Mr Craddock reminded the court that Mr Cash had applied for High Court bail on 6 March, but had been unable to take it up.
“The injured party is an 80 year old male living alone, who had €9,000 allegedly taken, and then spent two nights in the hospital. This is very serious,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“We should expedite this,” agreed Sergeant Dave Hanrahan, suggesting the DPP prioritise their books of evidence.
“Your barrister is putting pressure on the case,” Judge Zaidan told Mr Cash over the link as he remanded him in custody for a further week, until 26 March.
Mr Byrne was next up, and when he heard how the court sought a longer remand, declared: “No! No! No! You can only give two weeks (remand without consent)”.
The judge smiled, and said: “I’m going to give you a legal diploma from Naas District Court, not the King’s Inns!”, before remanding him back to custody also to the same date.
“No problem, thank you,” said Mr Byrne.
Later on the list it was the turn of the third co-accused Mr Berry, against whom were only two charges of burglary.
“This is a complex matter, and we are still awaiting medical reports,” said Sgt Hanrahan.
Judge Zaidan remanded Mr Berry on continuing bail until 4 June to allow for time for these reports.
