A 25-year-old man was refused bail and remanded in custody yesterday after he was charged over a burglary at the home of Minister for Justice Alan Shatter at the weekend.
Darragh Heavey, of Moeran Road, Walkinstown, Dublin, a father of one, was charged with trespassing at the Minister’s house in Ballinteer, near Dundrum, Co Dublin, with intent to commit theft of two watches of unknown value belonging to Mr Shatter.
No one was home at the time of the incident, which is alleged to have occurred while Mr Shatter was abroad representing the Government at St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Australia.
Mr Heavey had been arrested near Mr Shatter’s home and had been held for questioning.
Det Sgt Eugene Stapleton told Judge Clare Leonard yesterday that Mr Heavey was charged at Dundrum Garda station on Monday night. The unemployed man had nothing to say in reply to caution, Dún Laoghaire District Court heard.
Legal aid was granted to Mr Heavey, who addressed the court once to nominate a solicitor to represent him after legal aid was granted.
Det Sgt Stapleton objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and strength of evidence. He said Mr Heavey had been arrested in the vicinity of the house. A forensic examination would link him to the property. Det Sgt Stapleton said the offence on conviction at Circuit Court level can carry a 10-year sentence.
Defence solicitor Peter Connolly said his client was taking part in vocational courses and had suffered from depression. In an application for bail, he said Mr Heavey would abide by any conditions set down by the court.
He also said directions from the DPP had not yet been obtained.
Judge Leonard refused bail and remanded Mr Heavey in custody to appear again on March 27th next. She noted the DPP’s directions might not be available on that date and was told Mr Shatter was still out of the country.