Dublin man charged with burglary at St Christopher's Services in Longford

A defendant accused of breaking into St Christopher's Services in Longford town and charged with burglary and criminal damage appeared in Longford District Court last week.

Derek Hickey of 19 Shangan Crescent, Ballymun, Dublin 9, was present before a sitting of Longford District Court and it was heard he faces five charges relating to alleged offences carried out on May 28 and May 29.

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The 37-year-old was arrested several hours after Gardaí were alerted that there had been a break-in at the Longford disabilities provider at the Battery Road on May 29.

Mr Hickey, a Dublin native who is currently on bail, was subsequently charged with burglary at St Christopher's and entering the premises as a trespasser.

The defendant was also charged with trespassing at a property located at Druid Glen, White Linen Woods and of the same offence at Aughatoom House, Battery Road, Longford.

Details were previously heard that a man matching Mr Hickey's appearance was captured on CCTV on the night in questio2n.
The suspect identified on camera was seen entering the property with a blue cap and high vis jacket and several electrical items including a laptop valued at €1,200 were taken during the alleged burglary.

Mr Hickey was spoken to by Gardaí and stopped in the Earl Street area with what was described as 'identical clothing' to the suspect a short time after 7am.

The defendant was discovered with the electrical items that were stolen in his possession.

Mr Hickey is also facing a criminal damage charge relating to a vehicle where he tried to start the engine by pulling the wires of the ignition and he damaged the wires.

The defendant has also been charged with a theft the previous night from Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford.

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Mr Hickey was further charged with causing criminal damage to a vehicle when attempting to pull the wires of its ignition in a bid to start it alongside a further count of theft from Aldi, Athlone Road, Longford the previous evening.

The defendant, who did not enter a plea during the short hearing, was remanded on continuing bail until October 21 next at Longford District Court for a plea or to seek a date for hearing.