Father (26) on looting charges is denied bail

A FATHER of one has been refused bail after he was charged with handling €1,400 of stolen goods taken during looting at a supermarket in Dublin.

During last week’s snow storm, the Lidl at Fortunestown Lane in Tallaght was extensively damaged after it was raided and looted, while another shop was broken into on Friday night.

Liam Walsh (26), from Ard Mor Drive, Tallaght, appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday charged under the Theft and Fraud Act.

Mr Walsh, who is accused of handling stolen property taken from the Lidl supermarket, made no reply when charged, Garda Stephen Murray told the court.

Objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the offence, Gda Murray said that on March 2 the Lidl supermarket was burgled and “extensive damage was caused by a large excavator”.

Videos appeared on social media showing the building collapse, he said.

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Gardaí learned that perishable as well as electrical goods were stored in the back bedroom and in the kitchen of Mr Walsh’s home, it was alleged.

A search warrant was obtained, resulting in the goods being recovered, the court heard. They were found in several black sacks and pictures of goods had been circulated by phone, Gda Murray said.

The court heard that Walsh, who is unemployed, lived at the house with his partner and their child and was arrested on Tuesday and detained for five hours before he was charged.

Gda Murray cited fears that if bailed the accused would not answer the charge, which can result in a sentence of up to 10 years. It was his belief the accused intended to sell the stolen goods.

Judge Grainne O’Neill remanded Mr Walsh in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on March 13.