TWO of the four people arrested "after the attempted bank robbery in Waterford on Thursday appeared before the local district court yesterday. The two men, one from Dublin and the other a native of Waterford, were remanded in custody until next week.
Mr Anthony O'Connor (29), of Windmill Avenue, Crumlin, Dublin, and Mr William O'Connor (33), of North Circular Road, were charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit a robbery at the Bank of Ireland branch on the Quay.
The court was told by Det Garda Padraic Dunne that when he put the charge to Mr William O'Connor, he replied: "Nothing to say". Insp Michael McGarry said gardai were opposing bail because Mr O'Connor would not stand trial.
Defending solicitor, Mr Patrick Newell, said he was not making an application for bail. His client did not reside at the address on the charge sheet - Hennessy's Road in Waterford city - but lived in Dublin. He also sought and was granted free legal aid. Judge William Harnett remanded the accused man in custody to appear again next Friday.
Det Garda John Jennings told the court that when he put the charge to Mr Anthony O'Connor, the defendant replied that he did not understand it. Insp McGarry said they were opposing bail to this man for the same reason. He was also aware that a committal order had been issued in Dublin for Mr Anthony O'Connor.
After a brief adjournment the inspector said he was unable to produce the warrant, but added the defendant had previously failed to answer bail.
Mr Newell, who also represented Mr Anthony O'Connor, said he had been informed by the gardai that his client had failed to appear before a court previously.
The judge remanded the accused man in custody to Waterford District Court on Monday to allow gardai produce the warrant.