LATEST: Suspect accused of robbing 91-year-old man at Limerick bus station is refused bail

A LIMERICK man who is accused of robbing a 91-year-old pensioner as he waited for a bus at Colbert Station has been refused bail following a garda objection.

Ian Waters, aged 31, who has addresses at Colmcille Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick and in Templemore, County Tipperary, appeared before Limerick District Court after he was charged in connection with the incident which occurred on July 23, last.

Objecting to bail, Garda Shane Arthur said an investigation was launched shortly after the alleged victim reported the matter to gardai. 

He said the man, aged 91, was sitting close to a bus parking bay at Colbert Station when he was attacked in broad daylight and his wallet stolen following a short struggle.

Garda Arthur said it will be alleged that Mr Waters was subsequently identified on "high quality CCTV" which captured the incident and which, he further alleged, shows the defendant "loitering" in the general area for several minutes before the incident.

The footage was played in court and Judge Patricia Harney was told it will be alleged the defendant identified himself in the footage when it was shown to him, following his arrest.

Garda Arthur said the injured party's wallet contained his bus pass and around €115 in cash.

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Objecting to bail he expressed concerns the defendant would not appear in court if released and that he would engage in further criminality as he has a heroin addiction.

Seeking bail on behalf of Mr Waters, solicitor John Herbert said his client, who has a young child with his partner, is originally from the St Mary's Park area but is now living in Templemore.

He also asked the judge to note his client's cooperation with gardai following his arrest.

Noting the garda objection and having viewed the CCTV, Judge Harney commented that what happened was "quite a shocking event".

In the circumstances she said was satisfied the opinion evidence of Garda Arthur was "well founded" and that it was "reasonably necessary" to refuse bail to prevent the commission of further serious offences.

Sergeant Sean Murray said a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions and he requested an adjournment of the case until September 16, next.