This article is from page 28 of the 2014-04-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 28 JPG
A MAN arrested by gardaí following an alleged robbery in Ennis later allegedly smeared faeces in a cell at Ennis Garda Station, a court has heard.
It is alleged Michael Mongans (23) told a barman who had just left work that he would murder him if he did not give Mr Mongans money during the alleged robbery at around 5am on the morning of January 20, 2014.
Mr Mongans was later arrested by gardaí before allegedly causing € 600 worth of criminal damage to a cell at the Garda Station.
After hearing the alleged facts of the case at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge William Early said he had no hesitation in refusing jurisdiction of a case where it is alleged someone was subject to robbery under threat of murder.
A book of evidence will now be prepared and the case will proceed in the Circuit Court.
Mr Mongans, with an address at Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket on Fergus, is charged with robbery of € 20 from a man at O’Halloran’s Lane, Ennis, on January 20.
He is further charged with causing criminal damage at Ennis Garda Station by spreading faeces, blood and urine throughout cell number one on the same date.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the barman was leaving the Bar Code bar on Parnell Street after work on the morning in question.
He said the man was grabbed by Mr Mongans who was standing in a nearby laneway.
It is alleged Mr Mongans told the barman that he would get a beating if he did not give the accused money.
Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Mongans also threatened to murder the alleged victim if he did not give him money.
The court heard the man retrieved € 20 from his pocket but Mr Mongans said this was not enough.
Insp Kennedy said the alleged victim managed to break free of Mr Mongans’ grip before running in the direction of a taxi rank in the Parnell Street car park. Insp Kennedy said Mr Mongans allegedly gave chase. Insp Kennedy said the barman was “fearful for his life”.
The court heard Mr Mongans was later arrested on Barrack Street. He was brought to Ennis Garda Station, where Insp Kennedy told the court, he allegedly defecated in a cell and smeared faeces on the walls.
Judge Early refused jurisdiction of both matters. Insp Kennedy said an extension of time would be required to prepare the book of evidence.
Mr Mongans was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on July 9.