County Kildare man accused of illegally taking control of vehicle has case sent forward for trial

A 20-year-old man accused of taking control of a mechanically-propelled vehicle has had his court case sent forward for trial.

The defendant appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, March 7.

Back in April of 2023, Isac Bogatu, with an address listed as listed as 41 Rosconnell Road in Newbridge, was accused of committing the offence in Newbridge on November 20-21 inclusive, 2021.

The original date of the alleged offence was listed as November 28, 2021, but this was amended in a book of evidence served by gardaí on the latest court date.

In addition, the make of the car which gardaí claim was allegedly illegally taken by Mr Bogatu was also amended on the latest date.

The amendments were made in order to correct 'human error' on the part of the gardaí, the judge was told.

Defending solicitor Matthew Byrne raised concerns about the amendments and applied for a strike-out.

However, Judge Zaidan told Mr Byrne that he was of the view that Mr Bogatu would not be prejudiced by the amendments made by gardaí.

After the amended book of evidence was served by gardaí, Mr Bogatu's case was sent forward for trial to the present sittings on Naas Circuit Criminal Court.