Gardai needed more time to establish defendant’s identity

Gardaí looked for more time to verify a man’s identity, after forged identity documents were found at the premises where he was living.

When originally arrested by gardaí on suspicion of driving without insurance at Ryland Road, Bunclody, on March 6, 2017, the defendant gave his name and address as Martin Jones, (42), of Apartment 4, Palmerstown Square, Kennelsfort Road Upper, Palmerstown, Dublin.

He had previously been detained in custody, and the prosecuting gardai told Judge John Cheatle that they were not satisfied with his identity and applied to further detain him in custody while the enquiry continues.

Barrister Jordan Fletcher said his client gave the name Radic Janic.

The court was told that earlier in the day, acting on a warrant, gardaí searched a house and seized a large quantity of documentation in various names, including a Czech Republic passport in a different name to that provided in court, and on the previous day.

Other papers that appeared to be forged were seized, and the court heard that no form of identification was found that they could rely upon to identify the defendant.

It was hoped to take his fingerprints and send them to Interpol to try to identify him.

The prosecuting garda objected to bail saying he didn’t have any faith he would turn up to court again.

Mr Fletcher gave the defendant’s address as Garyvale House, Garybann, Ballymurn.

He entered a guilty plea to the insurance charge.

‘ We don’t know who is pleading guilty,’ insisted Sgt Gary Rayner, adding that there will be a forgery charge. He asked for time to get the fingerprints and send them to Interpol.

He added that there are bench warrants in existence in names that may apply to the defendant.

‘He’s created this difficulty for himself,’ said Judge John Cheatle, remanding him in custody until March 15.

Mr Fletcher respectfully submitted that he didn’t think the court had the jurisdiction to remand him in custody.