Illegal immigrants fail in fresh bail bid in ATM scam case

THREE illegal Romanian immigrants who have been in custody for the past five weeks again failed in their efforts to be released on bail yesterday.

The three were allegedly involved in an elaborate scam to steal cash from ATM machines when they were, according to gardaí, caught red-handed in Dungarvan on November 27.

A fourth member of the gang escaped and, despite a major garda manhunt throughout the south-east, has still not been found.

Gardaí said at least 12 deposit accounts had varying amounts of cash taken from them.

The prosecution alleges that the gang members used a computer and a miniature CCTV system before their carefully-planned operation was foiled by gardaí in Dungarvan when three of the four men were arrested outside the local AIB branch.

Nicoara Covaci, 29, Nicolai Dragam Teodar, 27, and Ion Poleac, 23, are jointly charged with having a Sony laptop computer in their possession at TF Meagher St, Dungarvan, on November 27th last without lawful excuse, and also with having information-cloning equipment for use in connection with the commission of a crime.

They are further charged, before Judge James McNulty at Youghal District Court, with dishonestly operating or causing to operate a computer with the intention of making gain and causing loss to others, and with failing to produce valid passports or temporary residency certificates to establish their nationalities.

Inspector Martin Dorney made an application to the court to have all three accused further remanded in continuing custody to Dungarvan District Court on January 14.

Inspector Dorney reiterated the prosecution’s previous opposition to the granting of bail, on the grounds that the accused are of no fixed abode, don’t hold valid passports, and that they would not stand trial if released by the court.

Sean Holt, solicitor for the defendants, said he was asking the court to reconsider its decision and to grant his clients bail with conditions, including that they sign on regularly at a designated garda station.

However, Judge McNulty said it was unlikely that he would change his mind on the bail issue, but agreed to a second calling of the case to enable the defence solicitor to consult further with his clients.

Later in the court, Mr Holt said he would not now proceed with his bail application, but neither would he be consenting to the prosecution application for a further remand in custody of the accused.

Judge McNulty then remanded them to Dungarvan court on January 14 and approved the acquiring of the services of an interpreter for them.