District court briefs

Remanded over post office raid Gerard Murray (29), Muckno Street, Castleblayney, was remanded on continuing bail at Cavan District Court charged with the attempted robbery of Maudabawn post office on October 1st, 2008. Judge Sean MacBride remanded the accused to Cavan District Court on July 8 to facilitate preparation of the book of evidence. Made lewd remarks A 26-year-old Cavan man who made lewd and sexual remarks to a female on Main Street, Virginia, on February 21 last, had his case put back to July 16 for hearing when he appeared at the local district court. Judge Sean MacBride ordered that the identity of the defendant not to be revealed by the press to protect the victim. A conditions of his bail is that he has no contact with the injured party whatsoever. Defendant given chance A defendant who had 71 previous convictions escaped a prison sentence when he appeared at Virginia District Court on a charge of driving with excess alcohol. Philip O'Leary, 64 Bexcourt View, Bailieboro, was handed a six-month suspended sentence for driving with excess alcohol 122mg/100ml blood at Relaghbeg, Bailieboro, on August 16, 2009. He was also disqualified for 15 years. Judge Sean MacBride said the defendant was driving while disqualified and that was the reason he was putting him off the road for 15 years. He ordered him to re-sit his driving and theory tests. "I will give you a chance on this occasion and I hope he takes it otherwise you are going to prison." Arrest warrants issued A bench warrant was issued at Virginia District Court for a 28-year-old Mullagh man when he failed to appear on criminal damage and public order offences. Michael Fitzsimons, 14 Rosehill, Mullagh, was charged with criminal damage at 3 Lakeview Close, Virginia, on December 1, 2009. He was further charged with a similar offence at 4 Convent Court, Virginia Road, Bailieboro, on February 23. The defendant was also charged with public order offences. He was also charged with failing to appear on bail at Virginia District Court on April 16. Judge Sean MacBride noted that it was the second occasion that a bench warrant had been issued for Mr. Fitzsimons. Donation Seamus Brennan, 68 Wellview Avenue, Mulhuddard, Dublin 15, was ordered to donate €50 to St. Vincent de Paul when he pleaded guilty to the theft of a crate of beer at a sitting of Virginia District Court. He was charged with the offence on May 1 at The Next Door, Market Street, Ballyjamesduff. A charge of failing to appear at Virginia District Court on May 18 was taken into account. Inspector Ray McMahon said on the occasion took the crate of beer but it was later recovered. Judge Sean MacBride gave the defendant the benefit of the Probation Act when he handed the €50 into court.