Limerick man accused of trying to escape garda custody refused bail for second time
Limerick District Court heard that Mr Sheehan was charged with 18 offences on August 19 and has been refused High Court bail previously
A MAN who allegedly attempted to evade garda custody when arrested has been refused bail at Limerick District Court.
Joseph Sheehan, aged 37, with an address at Flood Street, Limerick, appeared before Judge Patricia Harney charged with 18 offences. He has been in custody since March and all matters are set to be dealt with at the Circuit Court.
Representing the accused, Solicitor Sarah Ryan made a bail application on behalf of her client, which was opposed by Garda Emily Maher on the basis that Mr Sheehan would commit further serious crimes.
Giving evidence, Garda Maher alleged that the defendant had to be “physically restrained” as he attempted to escape gardai upon being arrested. She informed the judge that Mr Sheehan sought out medical treatment at University Hospital Limerick following his arrest, which is where he attempted to evade authorities.
Limerick District Court heard that Mr Sheehan was charged with 18 offences on August 19 and has been refused High Court bail previously. It was Garda Maher’s view that a “substantial” sentence is anticipated if convicted.
The offences that Mr Sheehan is charged with include burglary, theft, unauthorised taking, unauthorised interference with an MPV, trespass, criminal damage and attempting to escape lawful custody.
Garda Emily Maher told Judge Harney that it is her belief that if the 37-year-old is granted bail, he would commit further serious offences, including burglary, to “feed” his drug addiction.
Expanding on this, the garda confirmed that Mr Sheehan is a crack cocaine addict and would commit crimes to fund his habit. Previously, the accused told gardai that he would consume the drug daily.
As well as this, gardai believe that if Mr Sheehan’s bail application was to be successful then he would not appear in court, considering he allegedly attempted to evade custody.
Garda Maher informed the judge that there are no possible bail conditions which could alleviate authorities’ concerns.
Upon taking all submissions into consideration, Judge Patricia Harney was satisfied with Garda Maher’s evidence and therefore refused Mr Sheehan’s bail application. She reminded the court that the accused has the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Following this, Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling O’Neill informed the judge that a book of evidence is required for this case and is still being prepared.
Judge Harney remanded Joseph Sheehan in custody, where he will next appear before Limerick District Court via video-link on September 15 to be served the book.
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