Kildare man held in custody over alleged shop theft
Photo for illustrative purposes only
A MAN kept in remand for an alleged aggravated theft and who is now looking at a further two weeks in custody, was at least assured of legal aid so that he could take an appeal to the High Court if he so chooses.
Alan Fegan (34) with an address at The Park, Belin Woods, Newbridge appeared via videolink at Naas District Court on 8 October charged with an aggravated burglary from the Kandy Cloud on Edward Street, Newbridge on 16 September.
“This is in for direction, but the guards want an extra two weeks,” began Sgt Coleman.
“This is quite an ordinary charge, yet the state objected to bail,” argued defending barrister Donncha Craddock.
“The court is very familiar with these types of offences, so I want it marked pre-emptory (that is, no further adjournments),” said Mr Craddock.
“The DPP should be well able to rule on this and it begs the question, why object to bail if the file is incomplete?” he asked.
“I will go another two weeks without comment,” ruled Judge Desmond Zaidan, putting Mr Fegan back in custody until 22 October.
Then he paused for a moment to check with the registrar, aware of the upcoming public sector workers work to rule strike.
“No strike that day?” he checked and was told “no.” “Will you mark it pre-emptory?” Mr Craddock tried again.
“No,” said the judge, “but you can always reapply.” “There are still two outstanding statements with the file,” he noted.
“I granted Alan Fegan legal aid on 17 September but haven’t assigned him a solicitor because of their strike issues.
“I had to do so to protect myself before the High Court, that he has legal aid.”
Mr Fegan also faced a summons for possession of a small, though unspecified amount of cocaine at Newbridge Garda Station on 15 October, 2024 in an unrelated incident.
