Bail denied to man accused of robbery with knife

GARDAÍ objected to bail yesterday in the case against a man who was arrested for what was described as a serious robbery with a knife.

Detective Garda James O’Shea arrested Stephen Casey, aged 26, of 19 Mount Verdon Terrace, Cork, and charged him with the robbery of €1,065 at Amber filling station on Old Youghal Road, Cork, on June 18.

Det Grda O’Shea said the state was opposed to the granting of bail in the case.

“It is alleged he went into a shop armed with a knife and threatened staff. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment,” he said.

“The nature of the evidence is very strong. The entire incident was captured on CCTV and there are witnesses to the incident.”

In terms of the seriousness of the charge, the detective said that it carried a possible 14-year sentence on conviction.

“He has a self-confessed drug addiction problem and I believe if granted bail Stephen Casey will continue to commit serious crime,” Det Gda O’Shea said.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said it was not proposed by the defence to go into evidence or to cross-examine the detective and he described the application for bail as formal.

Judge John O’Neill refused the bail application and remanded Casey in custody. On the application of Inspector Gary McPolin he put the matter back for a week for preparation and service of the book of evidence.