Burglar remanded after targeting neighbour’s home

A YOUNG man arrested for burgling his neighbour’s house in Ballincollig, Co Cork, on Tuesday evening was refused bail yesterday and remanded in custody for a week.

Eric Kidney of 4 Leesdale Drive, Ballincollig, was arrested and charged with burgling the house at 8 Leesdale.

Detective Garda Rory McGrath objected to bail being granted to Kidney on the basis of the seriousness of the alleged offence and the view that, if granted bail, he would commit further serious offences.

The detective also said that by the defendant’s own admission he was addicted to prescribed medication.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said the defendant undoubtedly used a lot of medication, but he said all of it was prescribed.

The prosecution said it was believed that Kidney would intimidate a witness if released on bail and referred to the close proximity of the defendant’s home to that of the person whose home was allegedly burgled.

Kidney gave evidence in support of his own bail application.

“I won’t be committing any serious offence or any offences. I am going back to 10 Castlepark, that is away from the house the detective is talking about,” he said. “I am on a lot of medication, it doesn’t suit me, I go a bit funny after all the medication. I will stay in all the time [if bail granted], I would be happy with curfews, I am willing to do a curfew and sign on or whatever you [the judge] say.”

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc refused bail and remanded the accused in custody for a week.

Inspector Pat Cadogan said the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions were awaited.

As well as the charge of burgling the house on February 3, Kidney is accused of damaging a CCTV camera at a dental surgery in East Gate, Ballincollig, on the same date.