Man 'creating an atmosphere of fear' among shopkeepers in County Limerick towns

A JUDGE remanded a man in custody this Tuesday as gardai said he was “creating an atmosphere of fear among shopkeepers” in the County Limerick towns of Kilmallock and Bruff.

Patrick Prenderville, aged 48, of River View, Kilmallock, was charged with three thefts by Garda John Curtin and Garda Pat McEnery. Gardai applied to change the charge sheets as Mr Prenderville had recently changed his name by deed poll to Patrick John Ryan.

Mr Ryan is accused of stealing two bottles of wine and a pint bottle of milk from North Bridge Service Station on February 8; two bottles of wine from the Golden Vale Bar on February 15 and two bottles of wine from North Bridge Service Station on January 22.

He had nothing to say after the charges were put to him by gardai. On behalf of the State, Garda Curtin objected to “Mr Ryan” being granted bail.

“He is creating an atmosphere of fear among shopkeepers due to the volume of incidents. Thefts are creating problems for shopkeepers. They can’t leave their premises unattended for a second. In one incident he was in and out in 30 seconds with bottles of wine. A tussle ensued and one of the bottles of wine was broken. The other one was recovered,” said Garda Curtin.

Acting Superintendent, Inspector Dermot O’Connor asked Garda Curtin if “Mr Ryan” was “caught red-handed?” “Yes,” said the garda.

Mr Ryan’s solicitor, Brendan Gill said his client would give an undertaking to stay out of all licensed premises and off-licenses if granted bail. Garda Curtin said he had concerns about “Mr Ryan” shop-lifting.

Mr Gill said his client had addiction issues and was never violent. Garda Curtin agreed.

Judge Marie Keane refused bail to “Mr Ryan” due to “likelihood of committing other offences” and his “addiction issues”.  “Mr Ryan” was remanded in custody to appear in Kilmallock Court this Friday, February 23.