Longford District Court: Defendant unable to get to garda station

A defendant brought before court on foot of a bench warrant was remanded in custody with consent to bail if he complies with a number of conditions set out in Longford District Court.

Fergal Gannon (40) of Ferefad, Longford was on bail charged with handling stolen property at Lower Ferefad, Longford on April 23 last. Garda Lorraine Shields gave evidence on the morning of the court hearing that she arrested the defendant on foot of the warrant.

Sgt Mark Manon said there was a State objection to bail as there were a number of issues with the defendant's adherence to bail conditions previously set out. Sgt Mahon said the defendant was not abiding by any of the conditions.

The defendant's solicitor accepted there were a number of issues that brought Mr Gannon before court. She stated her client did not have access to an independent surety and was on a crutch and has no transport as his car was stolen. The solicitor maintained her client was abiding by his curfew.

Garda Shields alleged the defendant had missed 51 signing-on dates and had not been at home after curfew when Garda called on eight occasions. The officer said Mr Gannon was not contactable when officers called the mobile number he gave as part of his bail conditions on eight occasions. Garda Shields told the court the defendant's phone rang, but there was no answer.

The officer also stated the defendant's car was not stolen, but had been impounded by the Gardaí.

The defendant's solicitor said it was Mr Gannon's belief that he was at home when the officers called, but perhaps was not awake. She explained that the phone number he gave as part of the bail conditions was temporary and that he now has a new phone.

The legal representative said the defendant was on crutches since May with a serious leg wound: “He is on antibiotics and is hoping to have surgery,” she told the court.

Mr Gannon said he lives three kilometres from the garda station and was unable to undertake the 6 km round trip on crutches.

Having heard the details of the reasons the Bench Warrant was executed Judge Cronin stated that Mr Gannon should have outlined his issues last June.

“He has failed to sign on and has made no serious effort to stay in contact with Gardaí. The application by the State is well formed and indicates the defendant has failed to comply with bail conditions.”

The judge directed that the defendant is only eligible for bail if he entered a bond of €200 and an independent surety of €500. Mr Gannon was remanded in custody with consent to bail to August 24. if he is unable to take up bail that hearing will be by videolink. Judge Cronin also directed that the defendant receive any necessary medical attention.