Robbery accused remanded

A man wanted for the robbery of an elderly woman in her midlands home eight years ago was refused bail yesterday

A man wanted for the robbery of an elderly woman in her midlands home eight years ago was refused bail yesterday. Mr Thomas McDonagh (38), of no fixed abode, was arrested on a warrant for failing to turn up in court on a charge of stealing £400 from an 82-year-old woman in Killeigh, Co Offaly, on May 18th, 1992.

Dublin District Court heard he had been living in England since the alleged offence and gardai objected to bail because they believe he would abscond again. His solicitor said he was prepared to put up a substantial independent bail.

Judge Leo Malone refused to set bail and remanded him to appear in Portlaoise District Court on Monday. Gardai also objected to free legal aid, saying they believed he owns three houses in England and works over there.