Duo named charged with committing four night-time Galway home burglaries
Both accused were not legally represented due to the withdrawal of services by legal aid solicitors and both men applied to the court to be released on bail
Two men charged with committing four "middle of the night" burglaries at occupied homes in Galway on Sunday have been remanded in custody.
Chris Egan (35), with an address at Fairgreen Hostel, Fairgreen, and Jonathan Harlowe (43), of No Fixed Abode, appeared at Galway District Court on four charges contrary to section 12 of the Criminal Justice Theft and afraid Offences Act.
It is alleged that on September 13, both men entered as trespassers and committed the theft of items at four properties: Seaman Drive, Riverside, Galway; Cúirt Na Habhann, Claregalway; Tara Grove, Galway and Glenview Drive, Riverside, Galway.
Detective Garda Gerry Carroll told the court he arrested and charged the men at the Garda North Western Regional Headquarters on Sunday night and each man made no reply to each charge after caution.
Both accused were not legally represented due to the withdrawal of services by legal aid solicitors and both men applied to the court to be released on bail.
The court heard the State objected to bail and Judge Tom MacSharry asked that both men be given a copy of the bail pack detailing the reasons for the objections to bail.
Judge MacSharry said the court was in a "unique situation" and in the full interest of fairness and justice he said he would given both men time to read the bail packs.
He also asked they be given pens and paper to note the evidence and any questions they might have.
When the bail hearing resumed, both men confirmed to the Judge they had read and considered the State's reasons for objecting to bail.
Judge MacSharry told both men they could raise their hand if did not understand something or required clarification of the evidence.
Prior to the each bail application, the judge also warned each man not to say anything about the alleged facts of the case or anything that might incriminate them.
Detective Garda Carroll told the court it is alleged both men were involved in four burglaries that occurred in the "middle of the night" at four homes that see occupied at the time.
He said it is alleged that a car was stolen during the burglary at Tara Grove and that car was later spoofed by witness and stopped by gardaí at the Shantalla community centre.
The court heard that when the car was stopped, Chris Egan was allegedly in the driver's, Jonathan Harlowe was also in the vehicle along with items allegedly stolen during the burglaries.
Detective Garda Carroll said the evidence in the case is strong and it is alleged both men are captured on CCTV at the scene of a burglary wearing yellow marigold gloves.
Judge MacSharry said if both men were legally represented, their solicitors might ask if any bail conditions would satisfy the State.
Detective Carroll said there no conditions that would satisfy his concerns.
Chris Egan told the court that he got a job last week and his main concern is loosing his employment if he is remanded in custody.
Jonathan Harlowe said he recently reconnected with his daughter and would be willing to abide by any conditions sought by the State.
Judge MacSharry he had carefully considered the State's objections and the mens' applications and in all the circumstances, he was refusing bail.
Both men were remanded in custody to September 21 and were told they had the option of applying for bail at the High Court.
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