Multiple burglary charges in village

A 27-year-old Kerryman was brought before a special District Court sitting in Killarney yesterday on eight charges relating to the burglary of properties in the Killorglin area.

The dates of the alleged offences stretch from 2009 until recent weeks.

The accused, John Houlihan, of Douglas, Killorglin, Co Kerry, was remanded on bail, subject to four conditions, to appear at Killorglin Court, on Feb 14.

Garda Eamon Prendeville, Killorglin, gave evidence of arresting Houlihan at New Rd, Tralee, earlier yesterday.

Mr Houlihan had nothing to say after being charged, said Garda Prenderville.

An application by solicitor Padraig O’Connell for free legal aid was also adjourned to Feb 14.

Judge James O’Connor was told Mr Houlihan had a bank account but there was nothing left in it as he had spent between €1,200 and €1,300 on gambling since the start of the month.

The court also heard he had an account with Paddy Power bookmakers.

Insp Fearghal Patwell said the State would not oppose bail but wanted a number of conditions attached.

He said Mr Houlihan must surrender his passport, must sign on three times weekly in Killorglin Garda Station, must nominate an address at which he will reside, and must observe a 9pm to 8am curfew.

Mr O’Connell said Mr Houlihan was co-operating fully with the gardaí. He had been arrested off a flight coming into Dublin.

Mr O’Connell also said Mr Houlihan would be going into medical care.

He was charged with breaking into a building at Douglas, Killorglin, to commit a theft, on Apr 8/9, 2012.

He faces two similar charges in relation to a property at Ballykissane, Killorglin, and three other buildings, the owners of which were not named on the charges.

He was further charged with burglary at a home in Douglas, Killorglin, by entering through a bathroom window and stealing a handbag containing €300 in cash, on Dec 15, 2011.

The most recent charge relates to an alleged burglary at a home at Glounalough, Killorglin, on Jan 4/5.