Warrant issued for garda in attempted robbery case

A GARDA was arrested yesterday in connection with the attempted robbery of a shop in Carrigaline, Co Cork.

A bench warrant had to be issued for the arrest of Mario Boersma, aged 38, with an address at 31 Rosebay Drive, Forest Hill, Carrigaline, after he failed to turn up in court to face the charge of attempting to rob Susan Stenning at Kilmoney Stores, Kilmoney Road, Carrigaline, last Saturday.

Boersma was arrested at Crosshaven, Co Cork, and brought before Judge Eamon O’Brien at Cork District Court.

Concerns were expressed about the safety of the accused, and eventually it was agreed to release him on bail provided he attend a residential alcohol treatment centre in Limerick for the next 12 weeks.

On the application of Inspector Bill Duane the case was adjourned to the same court tomorrow to allow the prosecution obtain instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Boersma does not have to attend court tomorrow provided his solicitor, Frank Buttimer, can confirm to the court he is attending the treatment programme. Boersma was remanded on bail.

Previous bail conditions had been set at a special sitting of Cork District Court on Saturday. Those conditions required him to reside at the address at Rosebay Drive, refrain from alcohol or intoxicants and sign every day, except Sunday, at Carrigaline Garda Station.

Originally, when the case was first called in yesterday’s court list at noon, Boersma was not present.

Mr Buttimer said he had been talking to the defendant in court at 10.30am.

“He did appear to be in some degree of distress. There are some medical circumstances as well. I would ask you (Judge O’Brien) to note that he was here earlier. [He is not here now] for reasons to do with being somewhat unwell. In the circumstances I would not oppose the issue of the warrant,” Mr Buttimer said.

Judge O’Brien delayed the issue of the warrant to see if the defendant would appear before lunchtime. When he had not appeared by then the warrant was issued.

It is anticipated that subject to confirmation that he is attending at the rehabilitation programme the case will be further adjourned with the accused on bail.