Man accused of stealing meat products from Longford business and damaging property

A Longford man has been ordered as part of his bail conditions to stay away from all businesses owned and run by the Herterich family.

41 year old Eugene Dunne of 8 Alderfield, Farnagh, Longford appeared before a recent sitting of Longford District Court charged on a number of counts of trespassing, theft, and damage to property. 

The incidents - which occurred at Herterich's Artisan Meats and the neighbouring business, Glo Kitchen catering unit, both on Ballymahon Street - all took place over the course of the last month. The prosecuting Garda was David Gerrity of Longford Garda Station. 

Also read: 'Threatened to have me killed': Longford man jailed for assault on rail ticket inspector

In outlining a summary of the facts, Sergeant Enda Daly, stated that on January 10 this year, Mr Dunne is alleged to have entered Herterichs as a trespasser via the back gate and opened the walk-in freezer only stopping when a member of staff came out. 

Sgt Daly told the court how ten days later, on the evening of January 20, Mr Dunne is alleged to have again returned to Herterich’s where upon trespassing via the back gate, he opened a freezer and took meat products. 

Judge Owens noted there was a charge of criminal damage relating to that, to which Sgt replied, “yes Judge, on the same date the defendant is alleged to have entered through a gate at the Pig Market Lane at Herterich’s where he then spent 50 minutes entering numerous buildings causing damage to properties to the value of €150."  

Afterwards, at approximately 9.50pm while in Pig Market Lane, the defendant allegedly broke the lock and handle of the Glo Kitchen catering unit, causing damage worth €100. Mr Dunne is also alleged to have taken cash to the value of €100 from Glo Kitchen. 

Also read: Bail granted for man charged in connection with Longford stabbing

A day later, on January 21 at Herterichs, Mr Dunne is alleged to have trespassed and stolen meat products from the walk-in freezer.  

As part of his bail conditions, Mr Dunne was ordered to stay out of Longford with exceptions being made for his court appearances, his attendance at the post office each Tuesday morning, and his attendance at Boots Pharmacy each day - restricted to take place between the hours of 10am and 12 noon - for his methadone prescription.

Mr Dunne must also abide by a daily curfew of 9pm to 9am, reside at the address on the charge sheet, and be contactable at all times. He was further instructed to stay away from all businesses owned and run by the Herterich family, and to also remain intoxicant free.  

Also read: Sentencing of man guilty of Longford arson causing millions of euro worth of damage adjourned

Mr Dunne will appear before Longford District Court on March 24.