Wicklow man charged with salon and veterinary clinic burglaries granted bail

By Darragh McCann, The Wicklow People

A man charged with burglarising a hair salon and a veterinary practice has been granted bail, despite gardaí objecting.

Patrick Moorehouse (46), of Cooldross, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for a contested bail application, charged with two counts of burglary.

Gardaí objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing their belief that the accused is at risk of receiving a custodial sentence in the Circuit Criminal Court if convicted on indictment.

Detective Garda Mark Colgan of Greystones Garda Station gave evidence that 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.

He said that Mr Moorehouse was identified via CCTV due to his “distinctive clothing”, including a pair of shoes.

A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home address, where gardaí located the shoes.

Mr Moorehouse is also accused of a burglary at a veterinary premises on November 2, 2025. The court was told that he allegedly damaged the front door, with no items taken but approximately €300 worth of damage caused.

Sergeant Mick Canavan stated that the evidence in the case is “quite strong”.

Barrister for Mr Moorehouse, Ciara O’Brien, said that the matter may ultimately be dealt with at District Court level, which carries lower sentencing powers.

She argued that gardaí have no forensic or witness evidence and that the black pair of Asics runners seized can be purchased at any sporting goods store.

Det Gda Colgan said that the shoes in question have a distinctive reflective pattern which can be easily identified.

It was noted that Mr Moorehouse’s wife and daughter were present in court.

The court was told that Mr Moorehouse “doesn’t shy away from his issues”, with Ms O’Brien saying that discovering his brother deceased contributed to alcohol misuse.

“Mr Moorehouse is willing to abide by any conditions,” said defence counsel, adding that he also “suffers from back issues which would make custody particularly difficult”.

Judge Paula Cullinane granted Mr Moorehouse bail on condition that he enter into a bond of €500 by way of cash lodgement, be of good behaviour and sign on at Greystones Garda Station twice daily.