This article is from page 3 of the 2011-01-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
THREE men have appeared in court, charged in connection with an incident in which a family was held hostage near Sixmilebridge a year ago.
The incident led to a major Garda investigation and charges were brought against three men – two of whom have addresses in Shannon and one in Dublin.
Noel and Martin O’Callaghan and Simon Gentles appeared before court sittings last week in connection with the incident, on January 7, 2010.
Simon Gentles (25), of Casement Grove, Finglas, Dublin; Noel O’Callaghan (39), of Rineanna View, Shannon and Martin O’Callaghan (22), of Finian Park, Shannon; are accused of committing burglary at Ardkyle, Sixmilebridge, while in possession of a shotgun.
Shannon District Court was told on Thursday that in reply to charge after caution, Martin O’Callaghan replied, “No.” The court also heard that Noel O’Callaghan did not make any reply to charge after caution.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that the DPP has directed that the case be dealt with in the circuit court and he sought an adjournment for preparation of the book of evidence.
Free legal aid was granted to both defendants.
Mr Gentles appeared before Ennis District Court on Friday. The court was told that he was charged that morning and did not reply to the charge after caution by a Garda. Free legal aid was also granted to Mr Gentles.
The court was told that the DPP has also directed that his case be dealt with in the circuit court.
His case was also adjourned until March 10, for service of the Book of Evidence.