Man accused of Longford restaurant theft who is 'protesting his innocence' denied bail
The accused of Camlin Mews, Longford was charged with entering Mekong, Lower Main Street, Longford as a trespasser
A defendant accused of theft from a Longford town centre Asian restaurant was denied bail when he came before Judge Bernadette Owens last week.
Robbie O'Haire (43) of 3 Camlin Mews, Longford was charged with entering Mekong, Lower Main Street, Longford as a trespasser to commit theft on March 29, 2025.
Sergeant Enda Daly said the State was opposed to the bail application based on O'Callaghan Rules and Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997.
O'Callaghan Rules objections are based on three different principles; the likelihood that someone will evade justice by not showing up to court, the likelihood property that could be used as evidence will be disposed of and interference with witnesses.
Section 2 objections allow the court to refuse bail to prevent the commission of a serious offence while the person is on bail.
The State said it was relying on CCTV that showed a man rifling through the counter top of the restaurant at 2am.
The footage was played in court for the judge. It showed a masked figure going through drawers in the food outlet.
The court was told the float for the following day's business and a tip jar containing coins were taken in the robbery.
Sgt Daly accepted that the value was at the lower end, but said the nature of the offence was the reason for the bail objections.
Sgt Daly said the defendant made no reply when questioned by Gardaí.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said: “My client is protesting his innocence and will await his trial.
The CCTV presented to the court is dark and only shows a masked and hooded man in the premises.”
The State's witness said it was “100% Robert O'Haire”. Mr Gearty replied: “The person in the footage is well covered, it is far from conclusive proof.
"The battle has yet to be fought by the State, Robert enjoys his right to the presumption of innocence.”
Judge Owens said while she was not satisfied the State met the O'Callaghan Rules threshold, she believed the threshold under section 2 was covered.
Refusing bail the judge remanded Mr O'Haire in custody to April 15, 2024 for the prosecution directions.
The defendant will appear via videolink.