Wexford man accused of robbery and threat to kill denied bail

By Megan Farrell, Wexford People

A man accused of attempting to rob a Wexford service station and threatening to stab a staff member was refused bail at Wexford District Court, where the judge described his explanation for events as “too farfetched”.

Detective Garda Mulqueen told the court that on March 15, Gearoid Rodgers (32), of no fixed abode, entered a service station in Bridgetown, Wexford, where he was captured on CCTV purchasing food items.

A short time later, a man dressed in similar clothing, with his face partially concealed by a hood, re-entered the shop and attempted to rob the till. The court heard that the man was confronted by the store manager. An altercation ensued during which the manager managed to get hold of a bag carried by the man.

The bag was found to contain identification belonging to Rodgers, along with the items he had earlier purchased. During the altercation the court heard that the man shouted “I’ll stab you” at the manager.

Gardaí later located Rodgers a short distance from the scene where he was found to be in possession of cash and a cheque taken from the shop.

During interview Rodgers admitted being present at the premises but claimed that he had been approached by an unknown man who asked him to swap clothes.

Det Gda Mulqueen said gardaí were objecting to bail on the grounds that the accused posed a risk of committing further offences. He told the court that Rodgers is a known drug user who has struggled with addiction for a number of years, and that there were concerns he would reoffend to fund that addiction.

Edward King, solicitor for the accused, said the man is not identifiable from the CCTV footage of incident as the individual had his face covered. He said Rodgers denies the charges and noted that it may be some time before directions are received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In refusing bail, Judge Cheatle described the explanation given by the accused as “too far-fetched”.

However, the judge also expressed concern at delays in receiving directions from the DPP commenting that these delays were leaving “people festering in custody”.

The case was adjourned to April 22 for DPP directions.