Latvian man charged with false imprisonment of Longford business woman

A 29 year old Latvian man charged in connection with an alleged knife-point kidnapping which resulted in a car chase has been remanded in custody following a special sitting of Longford District Court today (Friday, October 31).

Janis Zarans of 15 Weavers Hall, Market Square, Longford town was remanded in custody to Castlerea prison and he will appear before Harristown District Court on Friday, November 7 next.

The defendant, dressed in a light blue t-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white runners, appeared before Judge Grainne O’Neill charged with the false imprisonment of business woman Sabrina Cence at Heaton’s car park, Ballymahon Street, Longford town on Wednesday, October 29.

Garda Orla Geraghty said that when the defendant was charged and cautioned he replied: “I want to apologise to the woman.”

Judge O’Neill asked if Mr Zarans, who had cuts to his head and nose, required any medical attention.

Solicitor Frank Gearty explained that with assistance of an interpreter he had discussed this with his client and Mr Zarans said that medical attention was not necessary.

Solr Gearty outlined that the State had presented him with a list of grounds on which they would object to a possible bail application and that as a result he would not be seeking bail.

Inspector Padraig Jones confirmed that the matter had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution.

Judge O’Neill granted the defendant legal aid and remanded him to next Friday’s sitting of Harristown District Court.