This article is from page 14 of the 2006-08-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MAN accused of robbing a shop in Ennis has been refused bail, after gardaí expressed concerns that he may not appear to stand trial.
Peter Flynn, of 4 Tower View, Battery Heights, Athlone, is accused of robbing €500 in cash and cigarettes valued at €100, at Hynes’ shop on the Gort Road in Ennis, on September 29 last year.
He is also charged with stealing a car, at Garrymore, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, County Galway, on the same date.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told Ennis District Court yesterday (Monday) that the Book of Evidence had been served and the accused was to be returned for trial to Ennis Circuit Court in October.
He said he was objecting to bail, as the accused failed to appear in court on a previous occasion.
“There is a risk he may not answer the charge,” said the inspector.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client had been receiving treatment in Athlone.
“In the absence of any evidence of threatening witnesses, there is a minimum risk of flight. My client lives in Battery Heights, Athlone,” said Ms Godfrey.
However, Inspector Kennedy said the accused “failed to honour commitments that he would present himself, prior to coming here on July 28 last.”
Ms Godfrey said, “It is a long time between now and October. He is innocent until proven guilty.”
Judge Leo Malone said he was refusing bail. “On the basis of the submissions by the inspector, there is a likelihood he might not turn up for trial,” he said and remanded the accused in custody.
Another man, Brendan Quinn (27), of Cracepark Site, Longford, charged in connection with the same incident, was also returned for trial to Ennis Circuit Court in October. The court heard the DPP consented to a return for trial, for both accused.