Wicklow District Court round-up: Assaults, shoplifting and knife crime among cases heard

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

Several cases were heard before Bray District Court and Arklow District Court recently, including those relating to incidents of assault, shoplifting, and production of a knife.

Two Tallaght men accused of assaulting the same individual in Arklow appeared separately before Bray District Court in recent weeks, as investigations into what gardaí have described as a complex and ongoing case continue.

Gary Kelly (47), of Kilmartin Drive, Tallaght, appeared before the court on October 6, 2025, charged with assault causing harm to Jason Douglas at Abbey Street, Arklow, in July 2025. The court previously heard back in September that Mr Kelly had been granted High Court bail but was unable to secure an independent surety. His solicitor stated that her client had received threats against his home and argued that the charges should be struck out and re-entered to allow a new bail application.

However, Judge David Kennedy refused, stating, “The charges are way too serious to be struck out.” He noted the complexity of the investigation, which has now involved the arrest of a sixth man on September 20, 2025, and an ongoing search for CCTV footage within a 30 kilometre radius of the alleged assault. Judge Kennedy reduced the required surety from €5,000 to €500, stating, “I have made my decision.”

In a separate appearance, Gary Hedderman (38), of Carrigmore Crescent, Tallaght, appeared before Bray District Court via video link from Cloverhill Prison on October 6, 2025, also charged with assault causing harm to Jason Douglas in the same incident.

Back in September, Mr Hedderman told the court that he has not yet applied for bail and informed the court he is due to be sentenced in December on unrelated matters. His solicitor argued that his prolonged time in custody should be taken into account. Judge Kennedy acknowledged the situation, saying, “I would find it extremely difficult to refuse,” but remanded Mr Hedderman for two weeks after he declined to consent to a four week remand.

Both men, along with several co-accused, are scheduled to appear again before Bray District Court on November 12, 2025, when they are expected to be served with the book of evidence.

Brandon Wall (28), of Holy Park, Shankill, Co. Dublin, appeared at Bray District Court charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cannabis, and possession of cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply at his home address on May 16, 2025.

The court heard that no scales were found during the search at the property, and that 58 grams of cannabis and a further 10 grams that were concealed at the property. Mr Eamonn O’Moore BL, counsel for the defendant, told the court that his client has five previous convictions but none for drug offences. He added that Wall has previously worked as a plasterer and is currently earning €550 a week while having four small children.

He informed the court that Mr Wall has had an addiction to cannabis dating back to his teenage years.

Wall was remanded on continuing bail and the case was adjourned to December 15, 2025, for a dual probation report.

Margarita Rostas (40), of Parkside Gardens, Belmayne, Dublin 13, appeared at Arklow District Court charged with theft of items valued at €362.19 from Mr Price, Knockanrahan, Arklow.

Judge David Kennedy issued a bench warrant for her but later vacated it when Ms Rostas arrived at 11.27 a.m. Judge Kennedy remanded Rostas on a bond of €1,000 cash and an independent surety of €3,000 as the Romanian interpreter had left due to Rostas’s non-appearance.

An interpreter returned, and Ms Rostas was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment with the final 8 months suspended.

Patrick Dollard (47), of Barton Street, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, appeared at Arklow District Court facing multiple charges of criminal damage, dangerous driving, and driving while over the alcohol limit at various locations in Tinahely.

He is also accused of knocking down a boundary wall and obstructing police officers at Baltinglass Garda Station.

The solicitor for Dollard was granted full disclosure, including CCTV for the incidents at the Garda Station.

Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matters to November 12, 2025, for mention.

Padraig Brennan (43), with no fixed address, appeared at Bray District Court charged with obstructing a peace officer at Shanganagh Park, Shankill.

He is also charged with resisting or impeding a peace officer, using threatening or abusive behaviour in a public place, refusing to give his name and address, and possession of a knife.

The court was informed that Mr Brennan was “sick” and could not attend personally. It was also stated that new evidence has come to light. The solicitor for the defence told Judge David Kennedy that the matters were “minor,” to which he responded, “It is production of a knife, so it is far from minor.”

Judge Kennedy adjourned the case to January 22, 2025, for hearing.

Daniel Costello (33), of Holly Park, Shankill, Co. Dublin, appeared at Bray District Court charged with driving without insurance and without a licence at Old Dublin Road, Shankill.

Judge David Kennedy put the matter back for mention on December 8, 2025.

Nathan Doyle (38), of Deerpark Lodge, Kiltipper, Tallaght, Dublin 24, appeared at Bray District Court charged with criminal damage and assault causing harm at Gertrude Terrace and Upper Dargle Road, Bray.

The court heard that the charge of criminal damage at Gertrude Terrace was struck out. The preparation of the book of evidence will be ready on November 20.

Judge David Kennedy adjourned the matter until the book of evidence is prepared on the remaining four counts. Doyle is back on November 20, 2025.

Jamie Carroll (37), of Mary B. Mitchell Close, Arklow, appeared at Arklow District Court charged in connection with a robbery at Boyle Sports, Arklow.

Mr Carroll is also charged with producing a knife during the alleged robbery. €5,000 was stolen during the incident.

Garda Eamon Furlong served Mr Carroll with the Book of Evidence. The court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the case being sent forward to the next sittings of Wicklow Circuit Court.

Judge David Kennedy issued Mr Carroll with an alibi warning, telling him, “If you intend to rely on an alibi at trial, you must notify the prosecution within 14 days of today.”