Man accused of litany of offences will have case heard in Longford Circuit Court

A defendant accused of a series of offences on one day starting in Dublin and ending in Lanesboro will have his case heard in Longford Circuit Criminal Court.

Michael Farrell (31) of 44 Mountpelier Gardens, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 is facing 15 charges.

Garda Conor Foley gave evidence to the court of serving the book of evidence to the defendant on the morning of the court sitting.

The defendant is sent forward on 12 of the 15 charges set out in the book of evidence.

Sergeant Mark Mahon told the court the Director of Public Prosecution was seeking to have the matter returned for trial in the Circuit Court on January 9, 2024.

The offences set out in the Book of Evidence are: on July 7, 2023 at Scots Parade Athlone Mr Farrell took possession of a vehicle without the consent of the owner, on the same day he damaged at Foigha Kenagh, at Corrib Oil, Patrick's St Mullingar he drove off without paying for fuel to the value of €50 and at Corrib Oil, Ballymahon Road, Athlone he drove off without paying of fuel to the value of €30.

The other charges are: at Cloontabegh, Lanesboro, Ballyleague he handled stolen property (a silver chain and a wallet), at Cloontaghmore, Lanesboro he damaged property, at Derryohill, Lanesboro he handled stolen property (€300 in coins).

Mr Farrell is also charged with damaging by fire a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep belonging to another person at Cloontabeg, Lanesboro, causing property damage at Longford Garda Station in that he did excrete on the floor and stuff fast food packaging down the toilet.

Further charges are that at Foigha, Kenagh he inflicted €450 worth of property damage to a front door, possession of cannabis herb, taking possession of a vehicle without the consent of the owner at 52 Viking Road, Arbour Hill, Dublin, and theft of a pedal cycle at Athlone Extrusion, Grace Rd, Athlone.

The remaining charges are that at Clontaghmore, Lanesboro he trespassed, at Scotch Parade, Athlone he drove without insurance or a drivers licence and that he did trespass at Derryoghill, Lanesboro.

The defendant's barrister made an application for bail, however Judge Bernadette Owens said it would not be appropriate at this time. The judge issued the defendant with an alibi warning, telling Mr Farrell that if he wished to rely on an alibi he must inform the prosecution within 14 days.

The defendant was granted legal aid. The judge also directed that a number of summary matters are to be adjourned to the December 8 sitting of Harristown District Court, at which sitting Mr Farrell is to appear by videolink.