Dublin men accused of driving stolen vehicles in Wicklow released on bail

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Two men accused of driving stolen vehicles on Monday have been released on bail despite objections from gardaí

Ned Collins (21), of Collinstown Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, and co-accused Sean Hutchinson, with an address at Earlsfort Close, Lucan, Co. Dublin, appeared before Bray District Court facing charges of driving without a valid licence, unauthorised taking of a vehicle, and handling stolen property.

Mr Hutchinson also faces two further charges of failing to appear in court.

Gardaí objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, which allows the court to refuse bail where it is alleged that an accused person is likely to commit further serious offences if released.

It was alleged that both men were apprehended in the car park of the Beehive Pub in Brittas Bay while driving two stolen vehicles.

The court heard that Mr Hutchinson was allegedly driving a Hyundai i30, while Mr Collins was allegedly driving a Volkswagen Golf, which had been reported stolen from Kildare on Monday, January 19.

Garda Conor Normoyle of Wicklow Garda Station gave evidence, stating that the alleged offences were “very serious” and could result in a custodial sentence.

News in 90 seconds Wednesday 21 January

Joe Maguire, solicitor for Mr Hutchinson, told the court that his client is in full-time employment and that contact had been made with his family to inform them he was in custody.

Mr Maguire submitted that his client works during the daytime and that, with strict bail conditions, it would be highly unlikely he would commit further offences while on bail.

Garda Normoyle maintained his objection, stating that he believed Mr Hutchinson would not comply with any bail conditions imposed by the court.

Judge Kennedy granted Mr Hutchinson bail under strict conditions. These include signing on twice daily at Blanchardstown Garda Station between the hours of 7am to 3pm and 4pm to 9pm, not driving any mechanically propelled vehicle, staying out of County Wicklow, and entering an independent surety, with half of the bail lodged in cash.

Judge Kennedy granted Mr Collins bail on similar conditions, including signing on twice daily at Ronanstown Garda Station, not driving any mechanically propelled vehicle, staying out of County Wicklow, and providing an independent surety, with half of the bail lodged in cash.

Members of Mr Collins’ family were present in court.

Both men were remanded in custody with consent to bail and are due to appear before Bray District Court on Thursday, January 22.