No bail for Limerick petrol bomb accused
Victim was hosing down her yard at the time, court hears
A MAN who the State alleges was involved in a petrol bomb attack in broad daylight in the city with three other men has been refused bail.
Gary Moloney, aged 26, of South Claughaun Road, Garryowen made the application for bail before Judge Dermot Sheehan at Limerick Circuit Court. He is charged with violent disorder, two counts of criminal damage and burglary on separate dates.
The bail application was contested by John O’Sullivan BL, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, with the assistance of Detective Garda Peter Connolly.
Mr O’Sullivan alleged that at 1.15pm on September 9, 2023, Mr Moloney was one of four men in a Volkswagen Passat which pulled up outside an address in Garryowen.
“Two petrol bombs were thrown. The victim was hosing her front yard at the time and was able to quench them thus preventing more serious damage. A number of vehicles were damaged with windows smashed. Mr Moloney acted on his own behalf and in consort with others,” alleged Mr O’Sullivan.
Det Garda Connolly said Mr Moloney has been identified, there is CCTV and alleged the nature of the evidence is strong.
Mr O’Sullivan further alleged Mr Moloney committed a burglary at an elderly lady’s residence in Bengal Terrace in the city on June 17, 2023.
“He entered through a window that was left open. He stole €200 and a handbag,” alleged Mr O’Sullivan.
Det Garda Connolly said there was “high-quality CCTV”. The State objected to bail on the grounds that Mr Moloney “would not abide by any bail conditions, and concerns he would flee the jurisdiction to the UK where he has family” and “the likelihood of committing further offences”.
Eimear Carey, barrister for Mr Moloney, said her client is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
She asked Det Garda Connolly if he was aware of Mr Moloney’s mental health difficulties? Det Garda Connolly said he was “not aware”.
Ms Carey, who handed in a doctor’s letter, said he has significant mental health difficulties which he needs help with and “with the best will in the world he won’t get that in prison”. She urged Judge Dermot Sheehan to “give him a chance”.
Judge Sheehan said he was refusing the bail application, saying, “there is strong evidence linking the accused to both offences”.