This article is from page 10 of the 2006-12-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
A BRAZILIAN man living in Ennis has appeared in court, charged with four counts of indecent exposure – two of which are alleged to have happened outside schools.
Hamilton Abremhofa (29), of 54 Cregaun, Tobartaoscain, Ennis, was arrested at lunchtime last Thursday outside a girls’ school in the town.
The father-of-one was detained at Ennis Garda Station and later that night was charged with one count of indecent exposure. He was charged with three further counts the following day. Two of the alleged offences occurred at Tulla Road, Ennis, one at College Road – close to Coláiste Mhuire girls secondary school – and another at Harmony Row. The alleged offences occurred on four separate dates during November.
Garda Stephen Hession told Ennis District Court last Friday that the accused made no reply to each charge.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey applied for bail. However Inspector Michael Gallagher, prosecuting, said he would be seeking to remand him in custody.
“I object to bail based on the seriousness of the charges, that further enquiries have to be carried out and there is a fear he wouldn’t stand trial. We are not sure where he lives.”
Ms Godfrey said her client had lived in Ireland for the past four years, and was married with one child. She said he was a driver and earned €500 per week.
Judge Joseph Mangan remanded the accused in custody for a week, to appear again on Friday. Mr Abremhofa is also charged with failing to inform immigration officials within 48 hours of his arrival in Ennis.