Dublin man accused of driving stolen car and using fake bank account asks court to relax bail conditions
The Wicklow PeopleA Dublin man accused of driving a stolen vehicle has had his bail conditions relaxed after the court heard his book of evidence will not be ready until December.
Sean Hutchinson (20), with an address at Earlsfort Close, Lucan, Co Dublin, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with driving without a valid licence, unauthorised taking of a vehicle and handling stolen property.
At a previous sitting, the court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had initially directed that the matter be dealt with at District Court level instead of the Circuit Criminal Court.
In May, Judge David Kennedy refused jurisdiction after hearing an outline of the alleged facts of the case.
It was alleged that on January 19, Mr Hutchinson was apprehended in the car park of the Beehive Pub in Brittas Bay while driving a stolen car.
Hutchinson allegedly purchased the vehicles on DoneDeal using a fake bank account.
Sergeant Mick Canavan previously noted that the accused was under surveillance by detective units from Wicklow and Dublin.
The accused was due to appear for the service of his book of evidence in July, but it was not ready to be served.
A book of evidence is used for indictable offences and serves as the official presentation of the State’s case against an accused person.
On Monday, October 5, Hutchinson informed the court that his solicitor is currently taking part in the withdrawal of legal aid services.
The withdrawal of services follows a dispute between criminal defence solicitors and the Government over proposed legal aid reforms brought in on July 1 by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Sergeant Mick Dee said that the book would be ready to be served in December, as he is currently awaiting one outstanding statement from an officer.
Hutchinson asked Judge Kennedy if it would be possible to relax his bail conditions, meaning he would only have to sign on once a week.
His current conditions include signing on twice daily at Blanchardstown Garda Station, not driving any mechanically propelled vehicle, staying out of County Wicklow, and entering an independent surety.
The judge agreed and adjourned the matter until December for the preparation of the book of evidence.