State ‘not dragging heels’ in Limerick burglary case
Solicitor Brian Chesser opposed the adjournment
DIRECTIONS are not yet available in the case of a Dublin man who is charged in connection with an aggravated burglary in County Limerick almost three months ago.
John Joyce, aged 50, of no fixed abode is accused of falsely imprisoning a woman at her home at Sandy Lane, Boher on the evening of October 11, last.
It is alleged he was one of a number of men who called to the rural house at around 5pm that evening.
The alleged injured party - who is aged in her 50’s - was tied up for around half-an-hour and several items were taken from her home during the incident.
The defendant, who is originally from Blanchardstown, is also accused of taking cash and jewellery, worth €1,240 from the house on the same date.
During a vacation sitting of Limerick Court, solicitor Brian Chesser applied to have the charges struck out due to the delay in securing directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Chesser said the case has been before the courts for more than 75 says and he said “it cannot be allowed to go on indefinitely”.
Insp Seamus Ruane said an extensive garda investigation has been completed and that a file had been prepared and submitted to the DPP.
“The state is dealing with the investigation expeditiously, there has been no dragging of the heels,” he said dismissing suggestions from Mr Chesser that he was being evasive by not indicating to the court when directions would be available.
“The inspector has shown nothing to show the furtherance of this case,” said Mr Chesser.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy noted that Joyce has not applied for bail since he was first arrested but he said the court had an “overriding constitutional duty” to ensure that the case is dealt with expeditiously.
Seeking an adjournment of the case, Insp Ruane said it was “impossible to say” when directions would be available and he said he did not expect a decision within the “next month”.
The judge adjourned the case until January 8, next after Mr Chesser said his client would not consent to a longer adjournment.
Joyce is due to appear before the court via video link from Limerick Prison on the next occasion.
A second man is currently before the courts charged in connection with the same incident.
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