Wicklow man accused of burglary and driving stolen car granted bail

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

An 18-year-old accused of burglary and driving a stolen vehicle has been granted bail despite, gardaí warning that they believed he would continue to offend if released.

Michael Moorehouse (18), of Cooldross, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for a bail hearing charged with burglary, unauthorised use of a vehicle, having no insurance and one count of not having a valid driving licence.

Gardaí objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing that it was their belief the accused would continue to offend while on bail and, if convicted, was facing a custodial sentence.

Garda Derek Kelly, of Newtownmountkennedy Garda Station, told the court that on Wednesday, June 10, the defendant was observed by gardaí in Kilpedder driving a stolen 2024 Volkswagen Golf with false plates.

He stated that the vehicle was recovered near Mr Moorehouse’s home address. While at the vehicle with a tow truck, it is alleged that the accused came to the car and asked gardaí what was happening before being arrested.

During interview, Mr Moorehouse told gardaí: “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

However, Gda Kelly informed the court that on June 5, in Drimnagh, Co. Dublin, it is alleged that Mr Moorehouse breached previous bail conditions.

It was noted that Mr Moorehouse has no previous convictions or bench warrant history. The court was told that the defendant “was caught red-handed driving a stolen car”.

Solicitor for the accused, Joe Maguire, argued that “it is in his client’s and society’s interests if his client, who is a young man, gets bail instead of entering custody”.

Sergeant Mick Canavan stated that the charge before the court is “very serious for an 18-year-old”.

Judge Fiona Brennan ruled that the prosecution’s threshold for an objection had not been met, adding that Mr Moorehouse has no convictions and “has the presumption of innocence”.

Mr Moorehouse must sign on daily at Greystones Garda Station, abide by a curfew, be available at his home address if gardaí “call to the door”, and be contactable by telephone.

He is due back before Bray District Court in mid-July for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.