Two remanded over bank raid

TWO MEN were remanded in custody yesterday in connection with the kidnap robbery last week in which over €7 million was taken.

The men – Mark Donoghue (39), Killeen, Leggan, Co Longford, and Darren O’Brien (23), O’Brien Hall, Gardiner Street, Dublin – were remanded at Dublin District Court yesterday morning to appear at Cloverhill District Court next Tuesday at 10.30am.

Judge Bryan Smyth was told Mr O’Brien was arrested on February 27th at the M50-Navan Road junction and charged on Monday night at Finglas Garda station with handling stolen cash with a value of €1.74 million. He made no reply when charged.

There was no application for legal aid.

Mr Donoghue was charged with possession of €1.74 million in stolen cash. The court heard he was arrested on February 27th at the M50, on the south-bound ramp at the N3 junction.

He was charged on Monday night at Blanchardstown Garda station and had made no reply, the court was told.

Mr Donoghue applied for bail but the arresting garda objected due to the severity of the crime and his belief that Donoghue may abscond and would not stand trial.

The garda said he believed Mr Donoghue had access to considerable funds given that €5.8 million was still unaccounted for following the robbery at Bank of Ireland on College Green last week.

Judge Smyth refused bail. Neither defendant made any comment during the brief hearing.