Man in court charged over tiger kidnapping in Limerick
Zachery Coughlan-Ryan arriving at Limerick Courthouse PICTURE: Press 22
A maan has appeared in court charged in connection with an alleged tiger kidnapping on the outskirts of the city almost two weeks ago.
Zachery Coughlan-Ryan, aged 34, of no fixed abode, was refused bail when he appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court earlier today.
He is charged with falsely imprisoning 19-year-old Stephen Cusack at an address at Caislean na hAbhainn, Castletroy between August 19 and August 20, last. It is alleged that Mr Cusack was abducted from the house by three men, one whom was armed with a handgun.
Coughlan-Ryan was arrested in the Lord Edward Street area a number of days after the incident and he was questioned at Henry Street garda station for five days before being formally charged.
During the special court sitting, Det Garda Vincent Brick, gave evidence of arresting and charging the defendant, who made no reply.
The defendant, who is unemployed, was granted free legal-aid and a bail application made by solicitor Michael O’Donnell was strongly opposed by gardai who cited the seriousness of the charge and what they believe is the strong evidence in the case.
Det Garda Brick told Insp Luke Conlon he had concerns Coughlan-Ryan would not stand trial if released and he said the defendant faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, if convicted.
In his evidence, the defendant insisted he was innocent and he described the case against him as “nonsense”
Judge Aeneas McCarthy refused bail and he remanded Coughlan-Ryan in custody to appear before the court again via video link next Wednesday, September 5.
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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