Warrant for man who "couldn't get a lift to Longford"

“Well, he’ll get his lift now,” remarked Judge Jonathan Dunphy at Longford Circuit Criminal Court last Tuesday, as he issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Daryl Keena after being informed by defence counsel that the accused was not in attendance because he had been unable to “get a lift” from Westmeath to Longford.

Indeed, three days later, Mr Keena was before the court, having presented himself by appointment to Granard Garda Station  where he was duly arrested by Garda Shane Carr and promptly transported to Longford town to appear before the court.    

Mr Keena, of 11 Tower View, Ballynacarrigy, Westmeath, stands accused of having caused criminal damage to residential and vehicular properties in the area of Legan, County Longford, on April 21 last year.  

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His defence barrister, Andrea Callan, told the court they were in a position to make progress on four charges against her client, namely criminal damage to the front door, windows, and the glass pane of a front door of  residences in the Legan area, as well as causing damage to the window of a vehicle.

Mr Keena pleaded guilty to the charges before the court.

Barrister for the state, Stephen Faulkner, did not object to bail but requested Mr Keena's sentencing be scheduled for the May sitting to allow for the preparation of a victim impact statement.

Judge Dunphy granted bail on Mr Keena’s own bond of €500. A number of conditions were attached to the bail including that he sign on at Mullingar Garda Station and appear in court when directed. 

Ms Callan BL requested the court direct a probation report in which an assessment for community service would be included. Judge Dunphy granted the request. Mr Keena will appear in court for sentencing on May 19.