DISTRICT COURT ROUND-UP
From our reporter at Sligo Courthouse
Adjournment was sought to make bail application for man
One of the three men charged with the aggravated burglary of Tom Niland on January 18 last was before Sligo District Court on Thursday last.
Francis Harmon (54) of Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo, appeared before the court via video live link from Castlerea prison.
Solicitor Mark Mullaney told the court he was acting as an agent for defending solicitor Peter Loftus. He looked for a one-week adjournment in order to make a bail application in a further week.
Sergeant Rosie Logue told the court the garda investigation was at an advanced state and a file was being prepared for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Mullaney assured the court any change in the accused’s status would be notified to An Garda Siochana.
Judge Sandra Murphy further remanded the accused in custody until today, Thursday.
Careless driving case sent forward to Circuit Court
A 21-year-old man was served with the book of evidence and sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court, charged with driving without care and causing serious bodily harm to a man.
Rory McKenna, Carowhadda, Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, was charged with driving without due care and attention causing serious bodily harm to Paul Egan on John Street, Sligo, on December 7, 2020.
Garda Joe Evans told Sligo District Court he had served the Book of Evidence on the defendant.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry told Judge Sandra Murphy his client was in court with his parents.
Sergeant Rosie Logue said the state’s application was to return the accused to the next sitting of Sligo Circuit Court, which was Tuesday of this week, with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The accused was sent forward on bail and granted free legal aid.
Bail granted for man on aggravated burglary charge
One of the three men charged with the aggravated burglary of Tom Niland on January 18 last was before Sligo District Court on Thursday last.
John Clarke (33), of Carrowkelly, Ballina, Co. Mayo, appeared before the court via video live link from Castlerea prison.
Sergeant Rosie Logue told the court the garda investigation was at an advanced state and a file was being prepared for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Clarke told the court the had been granted bail by the High Court. At that point, defending solicitor, Mark Mullaney, requested one week remand for Clarke so as to look at the bail conditions. He said the accused would make an appearance in court today, Thursday. Judge Sandra Murphy indicated she could only look at an application for remand in custody.
She said confirmation in the meantime of any High Court order would supersede the District Court ruling. Judge Murphy further remanded Clarke in custody until today, Thursday.
Murder accused is further remanded in custody
A 22-year-old man accused of murdering two men and assault causing harm to a third man was further remanded in custody at Sligo District Court on Thursday.
Yousef Palani, of 10 Markievicz Heights, Sligo, appeared before the court via video link from Castlerea Prison.
Defending solicitor, Gerard McGovern, told the court no application for bail was being made. Judge Sandra Murphy inquired had the directions she made at a previous sitting been complied with. Mr McGovern asked the accused had the psychiatrist been called and he replied yes.
Mr McGovern indicated that he would be visiting his client in prison after the 14-day mandatory quarantine period was over. Sergeant Rosie Logue said the state’s application was to remand Palani in further custody. Mr McGovern said all three charges could be adjourned until May 12 pending the Director of Public Prosecution’s instructions.
Learner driver had been behind the wheel while unaccompanied
A young woman driving on a learner permit was convicted and fined at Sligo District Court for driving unaccompanied.
Rebecca Maughan, of Rathbraughan Park, Sligo, was stopped on the N4 on March 24, 2021. She didn’t hold a full driving licence nor did the male passenger who accompanied her. A Fixed Charge Penalty Notice was issued which was not paid.
Defending solicitor, Tom MacSharry, told the court his client was a single mother of two children whose driving licence was crucial for her. He said she had no previous convictions and didn’t have a valid NCT as it was during Covid-19 times.
The NCT charge was struck out and Mr MacSharry said she was grateful to the state for withdrawing it. He told the court her vehicle was now fully NCT compliant and taxed. Judge Murphy convicted and fined her €160 on the driving unaccompanied charge and took into consideration the L-plate summons.
Sligo courthouse,