A MAN has been refused bail after he was charged with false imprisonment of murdered father-of-one Ciarán Noonan.
The 29-year-old was abducted in Dublin after an assault in the East Wall area on October 20th.
Mr Noonan, who was living in Ashbourne, Co Meath, but was originally from Russell Avenue, East Wall, was last seen being bundled into a car. His remains were discovered on November 4th, dumped in a field at Tullaghmeaden, about six miles outside Trim, Co Meath.
Gardaí investigating his death made their 10th arrest on Thursday. The man was detained at Store Street Garda station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, for questioning.
Yesterday evening Mark Allen (33), who is originally from Coolock in Dublin but had recently resided at an apartment in Baylis Village, Johnstown, Navan, Co Meath, was brought before Dublin District Court.
Garda Sgt Dave Gallagher told Judge Victor Blake that Mr Allen made “no reply” after caution when he was charged with false imprisonment of Mr Noonan at Russell Avenue on October 20th.
Mr Allen, an unemployed father of one, remained silent during the proceedings and was not required to speak.
Sgt Gallagher objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and concerns that Mr Allen might not turn up for his trial. He said it was “anticipated a further more serious charge would be brought” and the existing charge, on conviction, carried a possible life sentence.
He told Judge Blake that Mr Noonan was abducted on October 20th and “his body was later found dumped”. A postmortem revealed Mr Noonan had been murdered, and his DNA was found in a car registered in the name of the accused.
Sgt Gallagher said he believed Mr Allen had “sufficient funds to flee this jurisdiction”.
There had been 570 lines of inquiry and the investigation involved substantial CCTV evidence, witness statements and phone analysis.
Sgt Gallagher agreed with defence solicitor Jenny McGeever that Mr Allen had ties to this jurisdiction – his daughter and also his current partner, who was present for the hearing. He also agreed Mr Allen “fully contests this matter”.
Ms McGeever told Judge Blake that Mr Allen would surrender his passport and comply with bail conditions. She said he did not intend to abandon his seven-year-old daughter whom he sees regularly, and he wants to fight this case.
She also asked the court to note that Mr Allen would be able to live with his father if bail were granted.
David Allen (55), the defendant’s father, also gave evidence confirming that his son could live with him.
When questioned by Sgt Gallagher he said he did not know where his son had been for the past month. Judge Blake refused bail and remanded Mr Allen in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on November 30th. He also noted that directions from the DPP were being sought.
The issue as to whether legal aid would be granted was deferred.