Youth apologises for driver assault

One of the two youths charged in connection with the robbery of a taxi driver in Athlone, Co Westmeath, earlier this week, has apologised for his actions.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified because he is legally under age, appeared in Mullingar District Court Friday arising out of the incident.

He also faced charges relating to a subsequent attempted robbery and assault of a shopkeeper.

The 17-year-old, with a Northern Ireland address, is charged with the robbery of part-time taxi driver Seamus Hogan, aged 78, at Bloomfield Drive, Athlone last Tuesday. The charge alleges he robbed Mr Hogan of €100 cash and a watch, valued at €50.

Garda Padraig Shanley said the accused, when charged, said he was “sorry for what happened. I didn’t mean for him to get hurt”.

The youth also faces a charge of attempting to commit robbery on Tuesday at the Cova, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Inspector Nicholas Farrell told Judge Patrick Clyne that there was no objection to bail. When Judge Clyne noted the accused lived outside the jurisdiction, Inspector Farrell said the gardaí were satisfied, if he was in Northern Ireland, he would be away from the influence of others. If he did not return under bail conditions, a European Arrest Warrant would be sought.

Judge Clyne remanded him with consent to bail to appear at Athlone District Court on September 16.

Cian Quinn, aged 18, of Ashdale, Clonbrusk, Athlone was also before the court on the charge of robbing Mr Hogan .

Gardaí opposed a bail application and Judge Clyne ruled against granting bail. The ruling followed detailed submissions and evidence from a number of witnesses, after which the judge issued a firm warning to everyone in court that no details of the bail application could be repeated in any form outside court.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday next.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old from the Midlands was before the court of charges of attempting to commit robbery at the Cova on the Ballymahon Road, Athlone, last Tuesday and with assaulting Eamon Greene, causing him harm on the same occasion.

No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody to appear again before Mullingar District Court next Monday.

Meanwhile, a 15-year-old, faced a single charge of attempting to commit robbery at the Cova on the Ballymahon Road last Tuesday.

He was remanded in custody to next Monday’s court sitting in Mullingar.