THREE men will appear in Wicklow District Court today charged with robbing a 77 year old man of £9,600 at his home in Kilballyowen, near Aughrim, Co Wicklow, earlier this month.
Mr Gerard Fitzgerald (21), from Tomcoyle, Aughrim, appeared at a special sitting of the court last night.
On Saturday Mr David Byrne (24), from Lourdes Crescent, Aughrim, and Mr Mark Byrne (21) (no relation), from Our Lady's Drive, Aughrim, were brought before the court. They were remanded in custody with consent to bail on their own surety of £200 and an independent surety of £1,500 each.
Mr Fitzgerald appeared in court shortly before 6.30 p.m. yesterday. Dressed in blue jeans, a grey and black sweatshirt and navy and white running shoes, he stood during the five minute hearing.
Garda Michael Kavanagh, from Aughrim Garda station, said Mr Fitzgerald was charged with robbing Mr Andy Kingston of £9,600 on October 8th at Kilballyowen, Aughrim.
He said he arrested Mr Fitzgerald at 6.08 p.m. on October 27th. When charged, Mr Fitzgerald said he had "not a thing" to say.
Replying to a question by Judge Sean Delap, Garda Kavanagh said gardai had recovered a "certain amount" of the allegedly stolen money.
Mr Fitzgerald was released on his own bond of £2,000 and an independent surety of £2,000. His sister, Ms Patricia Fitzgerald, from Killiney, Co Dublin, appeared in court as bailsperson.
The court was told that Mr Fitzgerald lived four miles from Aughrim Garda station. Judge Delap ordered that he report to the station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Mr Fitzgerald's solicitor, Mr David Tarrant, applied for legal aid. Judge Delap asked Mr Fitzgerald if he was working. When he replied that he was not, Judge Delap granted legal aid.
All three men will appear at the same court at 11.30 a.m. today.