Man in Donegal court over alleged involvement in burglaries in Mayo and Galway

A man charged with having items used in connection with burglary and being in possession of stolen jewellery has been refused bail.

Edward Connors, 28, of 1 Drumkerrin Park, Fetterkerin, Tallaght was brought before Donegal District Court on Monday, December 9. He was represented in court by solicitor Mark Mullaney.

Garda Peter Cawley gave evidence that on Sunday, December 8, he arrested the defendant for the purpose of charge at Ballymote Garda Station.

Edwards is charged that he had in his possession items allegedly used in the course of a burglary. These were listed as gloves, torches, pry bar, pli screwdrivers, a signal interference device, a telescopic ladder, a vehicle refueling kit. The car in which he was travelling as a passenger was stopped and found to have false registration plates.

The offence is contrary to Section 15 (1) and (5) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

The defendant is also charged with being in possession of  stolen jewellery, comprising a gold bracelet, a gold chain and ring. The jewellery was stolen in the course of a burglary at a residential property at Roslahan, Manulla, County Mayo on November 29. 

Edwards is further charged that he was in possession of sets of gold and diamond stud earrings, stolen during the course of a burglary at a residential property at Meelick East, Tuam, County Galway on November 28.  

These offences are contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

All three offences are alleged to have taken place  on November 29, 2024 at Cadamstown, Johnstown  Bridge, County Kildare.

Mr Mullaney told the court that the defence wished to apply for bail.

Detective Sergeant Michael Kelly said that the prosecution objected to bail.

Having heard the reasons outlined by Sergeant Kelly, Judge Sandra Murphy said she was satisfied to refuse bail. 

Edwards, who appeared before the court on crutches and wearing a dark blue hoodie tracksuit, was remanded in custody. The case was adjourned to Sligo District Court on December 12 for DPP directions.

Legal aid was granted to Mr Mullaney.