Court hears how victim of alleged Longford robbery was dragged along ground

Frances O'Brien, with addresses at 4 Cluain Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford and 59 Hillview Drive, Knockmay, Portlaoise, came before last Tuesday's District Court sitting.

Among the charges included the alleged robbery of a woman at Mollaghan's Car Park, Earl Street, Longford moments after she had vacated a train at Longford Train Station.

The alleged incident, which also involved two co-accused who are before the courts, resulted in the victim being dragged along the ground as she desperately tried to keep hold of her handbag and belongings.

Among the alleged items stolen included personal items, a diary, two Chinese medication containers, an umbrella, phone charger and travel mug valued at €100.

Inspector Padraig Jones said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office (DPP) were still awaited due largely to the fact a number of co accused were allegedly involved with around 20 witness statements also being taken.

“She (victim) was initially set upon,” he said.

“A number of people tried to grab her handbag but she held onto it very tightly.

“From the CCTV, it will be alleged the injured party was dragged along the ground as she held onto the bag.”

The court was further informed of how Ms O'Brien had been charged with robbing a man of almost €50 at 41 St Michael's Road, Longford the following day under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft & Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

On the same date, Ms O'Brien was also charged with a Section 2 assault on a woman at Longford Shopping Centre.

Defence solicitor John Quinn said his client had already been in custody for a number of months with last Tuesday's appearance being the sixth time she had come before Longford District Court over the matter.

Mr Quinn, in seeking the court's approval to grant Ms O'Brien bail, insisted she would be willing to reside with her mother in Laois.

In strengthening that case, Judge Hughes heard claims of how a young child of Ms O'Brien's had allegedly been the victim of a serious crime while the 23-year-old was behind bars.

In view of those claims, Judge Hughes put the matter back to allow gardaí investigate the allegations further.

When it did return shortly before lunch, Inspector Jones admitted there had been “some substance” to the claims.

As a consequence Judge Hughes granted Ms O'Brien bail, subject to a number of conditions.

They included directions to reside at 59 Hillview Drive, Knockmay, Portlaoise, to sign on at a garda station three times weekly, to observe a curfew from 10pm to 8am, to have no contact with any co-accused parties involved in the case, to stay out of Longford town except for scheduled court appearances and to have no contact with prosecution witnesses.

Ms O'Brien was remanded on bail and is due to appear back before Longford District Court on March 12 2019.