Clara man charged after security van robbery

A 45 year-old Offaly man has been remanded in custody to today's sitting of Athlone District Court following an alleged armed robbery at a post office in Irishtown, Athlone, last week. John Harris, with an address at 27 Beechmount Avenue, Kilcoursy, Clara, Co Offaly, was charged with breaching Section 27B of the Firearms Act and also Section 14 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act. Det Sgt Eamon Curley told last Thursday afternoon's special sitting of Athlone District Court that the defendant was arrested on Wednesday, September 16, and gave no reply when charged with the offences. Defence solicitor, Padraig Quinn, said he had no questions for Det Sgt Curley. Det Sgt Curley applied to remand the defendant in custody to Cloverhill District Court. Mr Quinn made a bail application but said no independent surety could be offered at present. Judge Elizabeth McGrath didn't refuse bail but said an independent surety would be required for bail to be granted. Judge McGrath remanded the defendant in custody to Athlone District Court today (Wednesday). The defendant, who was unemployed, was granted free legal aid.