This article is from page 15 of the 2007-08-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A 29-YEAR-old man who appeared in court to provide a cash surety to secure bail for a friend, found him- self in custody after it transpired a warrant for his arrest has been in force for almost five years. Romanian national Jon Gratian Serban of 5, Sundale Lawn, Tallaght in Dublin, appeared at Ennis District Court to provide an independent cash surety of €2,000 for Cereasala M1-
halaiche, also from Romania, who faces a charge of theft following her arrest in Miltown Malbay County Clare. Ms Mihalaiche, with an ad- dress at 1, Phibsboro Drive, Dublin 7 appeared in court in Ennis last week in relation to the theft charge. She was remanded in custody with con- sent to bail on that date.
At Ennis District Court yesterday, Judge Leo Malone was told that a friend of the accused was in court and was in a position to provide a
cash surety to secure bail. Howev- er, during questioning by Inspector Michael Gallagher, it emerged that the accused had previously been ar- rested and charged with burglary, al- leged to have taken place on 18 July, 2002, 1n Dublin.
Solicitor for Ms Mihalaiche, Wil- liam Cahir, said he was not aware of this turn of events and the matter was adjourned briefly. Ms Mihalai- che was, however, allowed take up bail and after signing the necessary
documentation was released from custody. She is due to appear at En- nistymon District Court again on 5 Yo) oles 00lolos matey. a
Mr Serban was arrested outside the court and brought before the Judge Inspector Gallagher told the court that a warrant for Mr Serban’s arrest was issued on 30 September, 2002, at Kilmainham District Court after he failed to appear in court. The inspec- tor sought to have the accused re- manded in custody to Dublin District
Court on 17 August next.
Mr William Cahir, now acting for Mr Serban, said, “This is an unusual case. I would ask the court to accept my client’s bone fides in the matter and that he was not aware that a war- rant for his arrest existed.”
Judge Leo Malone agreed that it was an unusual case but after hear- ing details of the accused’s bank Statements, remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail in the sum of €1,000.