Defendants accused of theft of €237 from Longford bookmakers

Two men brought before Longford District Court over the theft of €237 in cash from a bookmakers were before Judge Bernadette Owens last Tuesday.

Desmond McKeever (46) 9 St Michael’s Court, St Michael’s Road, Longford and Peter Murphy (42), of no fixed abode were charged with the robbery of Boylesports, Earl Street, Longford on March 3 last.

Giving evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr Murphy, Detective Garda Shane O’Connor said the accused made no reply when the single charge was put to him.

Garda Gerard Mullarkey gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr McKeever, who replied “guilty” when the charge was put to him at Longford Garda Station on the day before the court sitting.

Solicitor for both defendants, Bríd Mimnagh, said Mr Murphy was willing to consent to a seven day remand in custody, but stated that her client may seek bail in one week as there is a potential he may take up employment.

Ms Mimnagh requested that her client receive medical treatment while in custody, explaining that Mr Murphy was on a methadone programme. The defendant was remanded in custody to March 19.

The court heard the State had no objections to bail in relation to Mr McKeever subject to certain conditions being imposed.

Those conditions include directions to sign on three times a week, observe a 9:30pm to 7am curfew, to reside as a sole tenant at his home address, remain intoxicant free and to continue to engage with Community Alcohol and Drugs Services in Mullingar.

Mr McKeever also had to provide Gardaí with a phone number and be contactable at all times and enter a bond of €200. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant is “on considerable medication”.

A further condition was that he stay away from the witness named in the charge.

Mr McKeeever had the charge against him adjourned to September 2, 2024.