Longford man accused of breaking into Longford restaurant twice inside 24 hours

Mark Kelly (36) 4 Camlin Mews, Longford appeared at a sitting of Longford District Court on Tuesday charged with entering the same restaurant twice within the space of 24 hours last week to commit theft.

The Longford man, who has a string of previous theft convictions to his name and battled drug addiction in the past, came before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with entering the Taipan Restaurant, 57 Dublin Street, Longford as a trespasser on March 25.

On that occasion, Mr Kelly allegedly stole €20 in coins before entering the same property a day later where he allegedly made off with two cans of coke and €2.

The court was told both charges could be dealt with by way of summary disposal, meaning the case was deemed suitable to be heard at District Court level.

Inspector Declan McGlynn said it would be the State’s case that the accused was positively identified on CCTV entering the Chinese and Thai restaurant.

Judge Owens was also informed the Prosecution would be seeking a brief adjournment into the case .

Defence solicitor John Quinn made an application for legal aid, stating his client was currently out of work and on social welfare.

The case was adjourned to a sitting of Longford District Court on Tuesday.