Wicklow man refused bail over alleged theft of work jeep
The Wicklow PeopleA Wicklow man has been refused bail after allegedly stealing a work jeep before crashing and overturning it, with the owner detaining him until gardaí arrived.
Michael Southern (25), of Avondale Heights, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, appeared before the court charged with one count of the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and one other driving offence, with gardaí objecting to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act 1997.
Garda McLean outlined his objections to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the possibility of a custodial sentence if convicted on indictment.
The offence carries a maximum fine of €20,000 or up to five years imprisonment on conviction on indictment.
On June 4, gardaí received a 999 call from a Rathdrum resident reporting that his Toyota Hilux jeep had been stolen.
It is alleged the owner observed Mr Southern driving the vehicle down a country lane before reversing at “high speed”, striking an object and causing the jeep to overturn.
Mr Southern was removed from the vehicle and detained by the alleged victim until gardaí arrived. It was noted that the jeep, which the complainant used for his work as a landscaper, was a write-off.
Solicitor for the accused, Dermot Hickey, said his client had his arms tied behind his back with a rope used to lead horses by the alleged injured party.
Judge Paula Cullinane queried why the complainant was not present to give evidence, noting that Mr Hickey was entitled to cross-examine the alleged injured party.
Gda McLean said that the complainant was working on an important job and also had to care for his child, who has additional needs.
In mitigation, Mr Hickey said his client was willing to abide by strict bail conditions and stay away from the complainant.
Judge Cullinane refused bail and remanded Mr Southern in custody to July 13.