Three appear before judge in Tullamore accused of burglaries in golf clubs

A mobile phone rang in the courtroom during a sitting of Tullamore District Court

placeholder image — A mobile phone rang in the courtroom during a sitting of Tullamore District Court

THREE people, including an engaged couple, appeared at Tullamore District Court on Monday morning charged with burglaries in golf clubs across a number of counties.

Mihaela Calin (35), of Brookville, Hunters Lane, Ashbourne, Co Meath, her fiance, Daniel Manea (28), and Daniel Matei (19), all of the same address, appeared in custody before Judge Andrew Cody.

Detective Sergeant Brian Jennings, Birr Garda Station, said that Ms Calin was charged with two counts of burglary, Mr Manea with 11counts, and Mr Matei with 17 counts.

Opposing bail for all three accused, Detective Sergeant Jennings said Ms Calin had been arrested at her address having entered the country on February 10 to commit burglaries, though he accepted an assertion from her defending solicitor Donal Farrelly that she had already been living and working in Ireland for a number of years.

Mr Farrelly said his client was a mother of three who had three children of schoolgoing age and who worked part-time doing deliveries for Amazon.

Judge Cody said he would grant bail, subject to her own bond of €100 and an independent surety of €5,000, along with a curfew between 8pm and 6am, and on condition Ms Calin surrender her passport.

She must also sign on at Ashbourne Garda Station three times a week if admitted to bail.

Mr Farrelly said the accused woman earned between €350 and €400 a week and was paying rent through the HAP scheme and it would be almost impossible for her to secure the independent surety or raise it herself.

Detective Sergeant Jennings also outlined the evidence against Mr Matei. The 19-year-old's solicitor, Philip Meagher, said the accused had been in Ireland for 14 months and worked at a Panda recycling facility.

Judge Cody refused bail because of the seriousness of the charges, the evidence in support of the charges and the likely sentence.

He also refused bail to Mr Manea, who was represented by Josephine Fitzpatrick.

All three were remanded to appear at Tullamore District Court again on Wednesday morning (February 22).

Judge Cody also said he would decide on legal aid applications for the three accused on that date.

Offences are alleged to have been committed over a six-day period at Portumna, Birr, Roscrea, Rathdowney, Barna and Athenry Golf Clubs, and driving ranges in Loughrea and Athlone.