Wicklow man accused of burglary and ‘ransacking’ hair salon has case delayed over legal aid dispute
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man accused of burglary has had his case delayed for several months due to the legal aid dispute.
Patrick Moorehouse (46), of Cooldross, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with two counts of burglary.
It is alleged that on June 14, the accused entered a hair salon on Kilcoole Main Street by smashing a window before “ransacking the premises” and stealing €50 from the till.
Mr Moorehouse is also accused of a burglary at a veterinary premises on November 2, 2025.
A book of evidence was present in court. This document is used for indictable offences and serves as the official presentation of the State’s case against an accused person.
Judge Paula Cullinane enquired if Mr Moorehouse wanted to accept his book and be sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court, or if he wanted his solicitor to be present.
His solicitor, Aonghus McCarthy, is currently taking part in the withdrawal of services to legal aid.
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.
He refused to accept his book of evidence without his legal team present.
Judge Paula Cullinane adjourned the matter until December 2026 for the service of the book of evidence.