Westmeath burglary suspects who were arrested after Garda helicopter search appear in court

Two Dublin men charged with trespass and burglary offences at addresses in Westmeath earlier this week were remanded in custody this afternoon (Wednesday) after being refused bail at Athlone District Court.

A third man, who is also facing burglary and trespass charges, was granted bail on his own bond of €1,000 after agreeing to abide by strict bail conditions.

Martin McAleer (21) of 4 St Aidan's Close, Tallaght; Hughie Doherty (20) of 22 Sundale Villas, Tallaght; and Michael Wall (23) of 1 Greenhills Grove, Tallaght, were today brought before Judge Bernadette Owens.

The three defendants had been arrested in county Kildare on Monday night, following a Garda operation which began in Westmeath and involved the use of a number of units including the air support unit and dog unit.

The three men were arrested approximately two kilometres from a vehicle which Gardai believe was used in the commission of the alleged offences.

The defendants were each charged with trespassing on the curtilage of a residence in Walshestown South, Mullingar, in a manner likely to cause fear in another person, on Monday of this week, February 26.

The three were also charged with committing a burglary, in which cash and jewellery was stolen, at a residence in Ballintue, Ballynacargy, Westmeath, on the same date.

In addition, Hughie Doherty is facing a third charge of trespassing at a residence on Main Street, Rochfortbridge, Westmeath, with the intention of committing an offence or interfering with property, on May 27 last.

Solicitor Michael O'Connor, representing Mr McAleer, and barrister Andrea Callan, representing Mr Doherty and Mr Wall, made applications for bail on their clients' behalf this afternoon.

Sergeant Paul McNally told the court the State was objecting to bail, in each case, under Section 2 of the Bail Act, 1997.

Following the contested bail hearings, which lasted for more than an hour in total, Judge Owens refused bail in the cases of Mr McAleer and Mr Doherty.

She said she was not satisfied that bail conditions would adequately address concerns which had been outlined to the court by the prosecuting Gardai.

Mr McAleer and Mr Doherty were remanded in custody to appear again before Athlone District Court, by video link, on Wednesday next (March 6).

The judge granted bail to Mr Wall on a number of conditions, including that he continues to reside at his stated address and gives 72 hours' notice to Gardai of any change to that address.

Other conditions included that he must abide by a 10pm to 8am curfew; must sign on daily at Tallaght Garda Station; and must not enter the counties of Meath and Westmeath, except for court appearances.

Mr Wall was then remanded on bail to appear before Mullingar District Court on April 11 next.