Further remand for man who stole bicycle and damaged iPhone in Letterkenny

A man remanded in custody for damaging an iPhone and stealing a bicycle in Letterkenny is to be seen by a psychiatrist in prison.

William Friel was brought before a special sitting of Ballyshannon District Court on Friday, December 27.

The 33-year-old, with an address at Muckish Avenue in Letterkenny, previously appeared before Glenties District Court on Monday, December 23.

Friel is charged that, on November 28, 2024, at High Road, Letterkenny, he did without lawful excuse damage property, to wit, an iPhone valued at €500, the property belonging to another person intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged.

The charge is contrary to section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1981.

Friel is also charged that, on July 30, 2024, at ATU, Letterkenny, he unlawfully took possession of a pedal cycle without the consent of the owner, namely Tale Saeidi, or other lawful authority. The charge is contrary to Section 112(3) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 and section 102 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, as amended by section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 2008.

Friel, who was brought to court by prison officers, was represented by solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian, who told the court that the accused is in Castlerea Prison and “is doing okay”. The court heard that Friel is to be assessed by a psychiatrist in the prison and Mr Dorrian asked for a short remand. 

Friel, who was refused bail on his previous appearance at the court, was remanded in custody by Judge Brendan O’Reilly until early January for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).