This article is from page 5 of the 2014-06-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 5 JPG
A MAN has appeared in court charged in connection with a string of burglaries at businesses in Ennis in recent weeks.
Brendan Sherlock (21) was brought before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday morning.
Mr Sherlock, with an address at Dromard, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with six offences allegedly committed between May 31 and June 12.
The charges concern four burglaries and criminal damage and theft offences.
It is alleged on dates unknown between May 31 and June 3, Mr Sherlock entered Delia Keane’s coffee shop on O’Connell Street on as trespasser and stole € 300.
Mr Sherlock is charged with trespass and criminal damage at Mocha Coffee, Arthur’s Row, Ennis on June 5; trespass and theft of € 50 in coins at The Tan Lab, Barrack Street, Ennis on June 11 and trespass and theft of € 70 in coins at D’Barber Shop, Francis Street, Ennis on dates un known between June 10 and June 11.
Mr Sherlock is further charged with the theft of € 120 from Enzo’s Fast Food on Abbey Street on June 12.
It is also alleged that on June 7 at Taste of the Sea, Market Place, Ennis, Mr Sherlock did without lawful excuse damage a wooden door. It is alleged the cost of the damage is € 50. In court on Saturday, Detective Garda Michael Kelly of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of five of the charges.
Garda David Hannon of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in respect of the other charge.
The court heard Mr Sherlock made no reply to any of the charges after caution.
Judge Mary Larkin granted legal aid following an application from solicitor John Casey.
Mr Casey said legal aid was appropriate in the case and the State had no objections to his application.
Mr Casey’s application for bail on his client’s behalf was opposed by the State.
Detective Garda John Casey of Ennis Garda Station outlined the objections to bail. The court heard gardaí would say they have strong evidence against Mr Sherlock in respect of the charges.
Mr Casey said his client was born and bred in Ennis and would live with his girlfriend at her home in the town. He said Mr Sherlock was willing to sign on daily at Ennis Garda Station and observe any curfew conditions set down by the court.
Judge Mary Larkin said she would only consider granting bail on the basis of a substantial cash bond from the accused or from an independent surety.
Mr Casey said the money is not available and Mr Sherlock did not have anyone to stand as independent surety for him at the moment.
Judge Larkin refused bail. However she said it was open to Mr Casey to raise the issue of bail again if his client could meet the strict bail terms sought by the court.
Judge Larkin remanded Mr Sherlock in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on June 18.