Four men charged in connection with spate of burglaries

Four men have appeared at Dublin District Court charged in connection with an investigation into a spate of burglaries across several counties.

They were arrested on Thursday after gardaí stopped a Silver 2006 Volvo S4 which officers believe has been connected to burglaries in counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny.

All four were charged this afternoon and appeared separately before a special sitting of Dublin District Court this evening.

They were remanded on bail to appear before the court again on separate dates over the coming weeks.

John Cash, 24, of Raithin Cuilin, Gorey, Co Wexford, faced 14 charges, including four counts of burglary in counties Dublin, Kildare, Laois and Kilkenny, three counts of dangerous driving, and counts of endangerment, using false registration plates, failing to stop for gardaí, failing to remain at the scene of a road traffic collision, and obstruction of a garda officer.

He also faced two charges of possession of certain articles intended for use in a burglary, under Section 15 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offence) Act 2001, namely a screwdriver and a false car registration plate.

Garda Tom Pemberton of the Dublin Crime Response Team at Dublin Castle gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, and objected to bail.

However, Judge Peter White granted bail to John Cash on a bond of €750 and on adherence to a number of conditions including a curfew, signing on daily at Gorey Garda Station, and that he must stay out of counties Dublin, Laois, Kildare and Kilkenny. He must also not apply for any travel documents or leave the jurisdiction.

John Cash's father Hugh also appeared before the court. Hugh Cash, 50, of Sundale Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin, is charged with two counts of possession of certain articles for use in burglary or theft and one count of obstruction of a garda officer.

Garda Ian McElroy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and objected to bail.

However, Hugh Cash was remanded on bail and must sign on at Tallaght Garda Station, adhere to a 10pm curfew, and have no contact with his co-accused. He must also reside at his provided address and not leave the jurisdiction or apply for travel documents as he currently has no passport.

Luke Wall, aged 23, of Brookview Way, Tallaght, Dublin, appeared before the court charged with eight offences including four counts of burglary in counties Dublin, Laois, Kildare and Kilkenny, two counts of the possession of certain articles intended for use in burglary, and one count of theft.

Garda Patrick Hynes, operating out of Dublin Castle, gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and objected to bail.

Mr Wall was granted bail but must adhere to several conditions imposed by the court, including a daily sign on at Tallaght Garda Station, a 10pm curfew, no contact with his co-accused and no contact with the injured parties in the case while he must also not leave the jurisdiction.

While his three co-accused had legal representation in court, Mr Wall did not and spoke directly to the judge during proceedings.

The court heard that while Mr Wall had legal representation while in garda custody and during garda interviews since his arrest on Thursday, he had no representation in court owing to the ongoing dispute between solicitors and the Department of Justice.

"I note a solicitor was in custody but has not come to court. I thought this [free legal aid] dispute had led to the withdrawal of all services... this is most unfortunate," said Judge White.

Hugh and John Cash were represented by Kevin McCrave BL.

Mr Wall will appear in court again on Friday 28 August.

Michael Moorehouse McCarthy, aged 23, of Aughmore Lane, Shankill, Co Dublin, is charged with two counts of possession of certain articles and one count of trespass.

He was remanded on bail but must sign on daily at Shankill Garda Station, adhere to a 10pm curfew, and not leave the jurisdiction.

He will appear in court again on Friday week.

Mr Moorehouse McCarthy was represented by Fiachra Treacy BL on behalf of Phelim O'Neill solicitors.