Pair allegedly had hacksaw and pliers after garda chase in Kildare
Photo for illustrative purposes only
TWO men who allegedly sped off in a stolen car from a garda checkpoint, and when eventually stopped, had other stolen goods and items used in burglary found in the car, received two different results in court.
Appearing at a recent sitting of Athy District Court by videolink was John Sprice (38) of Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, Co Waterford charged on a total of four counts.
This was the same for his co-defendant Ben O’Leary (26), of Balinteer Gardens, Dublin 16, however when the court learned that O’Leary was a no-show, a bench warrant for his arrest was issued.
Sergeant Dave Hanrahan explained how colleagues had set up a checkpoint in Naas on the night of 8 October and “the two defendants failed to stop, and took off at speed”.
“When they were finally stopped at the Osprey Hotel, implements were recovered, the car was stolen, and they were handling stolen clothes."
“Were the articles recovered for burglary or theft?” asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.
“Yes, judge,” confirmed Sgt Hanrahan, listing a hacksaw, snips, and pliers. “Who did these items belong to?” asked the judge.
“I don’t have that, but it was at 11pm after a big chase,” added the sergeant.
Mr Sprice’s solicitor Tim Kennelly noted there were no DPP directions yet in the case.
“The evidence I’ve seen so far is rather sparse, and that’s why it’s taking the DPP so long. This shouldn’t take four months, so I’m asking for a strike out, with leave to re-enter”.
“He’s not in custody on these (charges)?” the judge checked.
“No, he’s serving a sentence on another matter. This was first up on 9 October, and this is the first (court) date since,” confirmed the sergeant. “Judge, it takes time to prepare a file, and we have to have it 100 per cent before we send it to the DPP.
“Ok, so I’ll remand him on continuing bail (on these charges only) until 23 July, but I will mark it pre-emptory against the state,” ruled the judge.
“Will you still be serving this sentence in July?” asked the judge of the defendant.
“Yes,” he remarked, and the judge said: “Ok. By videolink”.
