Burglar allegedly caught 'red handed' inside Limerick home refused bail
Judge told gardai fear Modestas Petraska will ‘attempt to evade justice’ if released
A LITHUANIAN man who was allegedly caught ‘red handed’ carrying out a burglary at a private home in west Limerick has been refused bail.
Modestas Petraska, aged 41, who has an address at the Cottages, Bothar Bui, Newcastle West is charged with burglary arising from an incident at Hazel Grove, Newcastle West on June 7, last.
Objecting to bail at Kilmallock Court, Garda Ollie O’Sullivan said it will be alleged the defendant was found by gardai inside the property a short time after they responded to reports of a disturbance at around 11.20pm.
He told Judge Patricia Harney it will be further alleged Mr Petraska had his face covered and that he attempted to flee when gardai encountered him. Property belonging to the homeowner was also alleged found in his possession.
While the property was not occupied at the time of the alleged offence, it is the State case that the defendant was in possession of an implement for use during a burglary - namely a tyre lever.
Garda O’Sullivan said “good quality CCTV” has been obtained and that the defendant made certain admissions following his arrest.
Solicitor Michael O’Donnell said his client’s father has been living in Newcastle West for more than two decades and that Mr Petraska was willing to abide by any conditions imposed by the court.
However, Inspector Gearóid Thompson said it’s a “concerning matter” and that gardai have a fear the defendant will “attempt to evade justice” if released. He added there is also a concern he will “continue to engage in criminality”.
Having considered the objection, Judge Harney said she was satisfied the evidence of Garda O’Sullivan was “well founded” and that it was reasonably necessary to refuse bail.
Mr Petraska was remanded in custody pending DPP’s directions.