Members of burglary gang who operated in Donegal remanded in custody

A Kildare trio believed to be a part of a burglary gang that has targeted properties in Donegal have appeared in court.

James Lynch and two juveniles who cannot be named appeared before Carrick-on-Shannon District Court.

They were arrested by Gardai investigating an organised crime gang operating in the north west. They were believed to be behind criminal activity in Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan.

Lynch, a 44-year-old of Our Lady’s Place, Naas, County Kildare, was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in and facilitating organised crime.

The juveniles were before the same court. One was charged with three counts of burglary, seven counts of theft, and one count of participating in organised criminal activity while the other was charged with two counts of burglary, three counts of theft and one count of participating in organised criminal activity.

A senior garda told the court that the defendants were “active participants” in the incidents and said the force is attempting to disrupt and dismantle such organised criminal activity.

Lynch, who was represented by Ms Kathleen Henry BL, and the two juveniles were remanded in custody.