Bail refused for pair accused of hijacking in Derry

Two people involved in an alleged hijacking incident in Derry have been refused bail after appearing at court in Donegal.

Seamus Donaghey and Bridget Mongan were arrested on Friday night after being apprehended by Gardai.

Donaghey, a 20-year-old whose address was given as no fixed abode, and Mongan, aged 22 and of Foyle Road, Derry, were remanded in custody.

Donaghey was charged with unlawfully using a vehicle without the consent of the owner.

Mongan was charged with, while being a person who knew that the vehicle as taken without the consent of the owner, did allow herself to be carried in the vehicle without consent.

The pair were arrested when they were stopped on the N13 at Raymoghey, Manorcunningham.

The two were hauled before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Saturday afternoon.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that he was objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the charges.

It is alleged that a call was made to a takeaway delivery person in Derry. When the person came to the appointed address to deliver the food, they arrived at a derelict address.

The vehicle was 'forcibly' seized from the driver. The car fled the scene, but was detected in Donegal a short time later and the two were arrested after what was described as a 'short pursuit'.

Sergeant Collins said Gardai were concerned that the pair were a flight risk as they did not reside in this jurisdiction and would not answer bail.

The court heard that Mongan is on bail for matters in another jurisdiction.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, representing the accused, said Mongan has no previous convictions in this jurisdiction and has not previously come to Garda attention.

“She does reside on the island of Ireland and, as an Irish citizen, is protected by the constitution,” Mr Gallagher said.

Refusing bail, Judge Ciaran Liddy said it was of concern to the court that a person was lured to a derelict premises and had their vehicle taken.

“It is something that could attract a considerable tariff,” Judge Liddy said. “It is not simply a case that Gardai can go across to Derry and make an arrest, so there is a concern regarding a flight risk.”

Legal aid in the case of both was granted to Mr Gallagher.

Donaghey was remanded in custody to Castlerea Prison. Mongan was remanded in custody to the Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy Prison.

Both are to appear via videolink before Falcarragh District Court on Wednesday next, June 21.