Wicklow man granted bail following alleged burglary and assault
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man accused of entering a Kilcoole home armed with a piece of broken glass and assaulting the homeowner has been granted bail, despite gardaí objecting due to the seriousness of the alleged offences
Shane Sheridan (42), with an address in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court for a Section Two bail objection.
Mr Sheridan is charged with burglary with intent and assault. The court was told that gardaí are objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges.
Mr Sheridan could face up to 14 years’ imprisonment if convicted, the court heard.
Sergeant Mick Cannavan told the court that it is alleged by the prosecution that on January 17, Mr Sheridan entered a house in Cedarwood Crescent in Kilcoole by smashing a window, before leaving, returning, and entering the house again.
The defendant allegedly gained entry and went upstairs with a piece of broken glass in his hand. Mr Sheridan is accused of assaulting the homeowner.
It was noted that Mr Sheridan is on bail on an unrelated matter and must sign on three days a week at Greystones Garda Station.
A garda testified that if Mr Sheridan is granted bail, he would attempt to flee the jurisdiction and leave the country.
“The nature of the offence is very, very serious,” said Sgt Cannavan.
Judge David Kennedy stated that he believed the State should have brought the bail application as an O’Callaghan objection instead of a Section Two.
Solicitor for the accused, Brendan Maloney, told the court that his client has undergone three brain operations in the last few years.
The file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions and further charges may be pending.
In mitigation, Sgt Cannavan stated that, while he empathised with Sheridan, he had serious concerns.
Judge Kennedy stated that he did not believe the bail pack met the requirements of a Section Two objection.
A Section Two bail objection relates to the seriousness of the offence and whether releasing the accused could pose a danger to the public. The court must be satisfied that the evidence presented meets a high legal threshold before bail can be refused on this basis.
An O’Callaghan objection focuses on the likelihood that an accused person may fail to appear in court, interfere with witnesses, or commit further offences while on bail.
Mr Sheridan was released under conditions that he provide an independent surety of €1,000 and a bond of €800, with €400 required in cash.
The matter was adjourned until late February for mention.