A JUDGE has warned that if there is no progress in the case concerning a man charged with 24 burglaries at premises across Limerick, Clare, and Galway, the accused could be let out of prison with the charges struck out
At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett said that accused man Eddie Carey (30), of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick, could be released “within a month” if progress has not been made in the case.
Sergeant Frank O’Grady said that DPP directions are still outstanding in the case.
“Why? Surely we have a fair idea?” Judge Gabbett asked.
The judge said he would remand Mr Carey for a further two weeks in custody marking it “time passing” in the case.
Solicitor Stiofan Fitzpatrick, for the accused, told Judge Gabbett that his client has been in custody on this case alone since January 19.
Mr Carey was refused bail in the district court and Mr Fitzpatrick said: “An application for bail in the High Court was withdrawn – it may be revisited – he is in custody alone on these charges. We need progress.”
After Judge Gabbett said that he would remand Mr Carey in custody for a further two weeks, Mr Fitzpatrick asked “and the next step after that?”
“Peremptory,” Judge Gabbett responded, which in legal terms means that a case would be struck out.
“Within a month he could be out. Charges struck out,” the judge said.
In one of the charges against Eddie Carey, he is charged with burglary at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon – the club of Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager and double All Ireland winner as a player, Brian Lohan.
On one day alone on February 2, 2024, Mr Carey is facing burglary charges concerning seven separate premises – Corbally Centre, Corbally Road, Limerick; and Inver, Ennis Road, Limerick; Carry Out, Drumgeely, Shannon; Subway restaurant, Shannon; High Maintenance, Limerick Road, Ennis; Remix, Limerick Road, Ennis; and Tech Station, Killaloe.
Mr Carey is facing the burglary charge against Wolfe Tones where he is accused of trespassing at the Shannon GAA clubhouse on July 9 last and committing theft.
On the same date, Mr Carey is accused of committing burglaries at Hair Symphony, Clarinbridge, Galway, Day Break, Crusheen, and Gala Chinese, Castle Street, Oranmore, County Galway.
On another date on July 5 last, Mr Carey is accused of carrying out burglaries at five premises – The Electronic Store, Market Square, Scarriff; Rogers Bar, Main Street, Scariff; Newcastle West Mobile Zone, Newcastle West; Gadget Fix, Main Street, Adare; and Poinaire, Main Street, Adare.
In total, Mr Carey is facing 46 separate charges that comprise of 24 burglary charges, 17 handling charges, four charges concerning the unauthorised taking of cars, and one charge where he is accused of having in his possession two vehicle unlocking and starter devices – which the charge states were made or adapted for the use in the authorised taking of vehicles.
Judge Gabbett remanded Mr Carey to appear via video-link from Limerick Prison at Ennis District Court to March 5.
