Uncle lodges ‘life savings’ to secure bail for nephew

Limerick man, Liam Keane, who is charged with stabbing another man during a house-break is to be freed on bail, after his uncle lodged his “life savings” in court yesterday, as part of an independent surety to secure bail for his nephew.

Liam Keane, aged 31, of Singland Gardens, Ballysimon, is charged with one count of assault causing harm, and with one count of burglary.

His alleged victim and his family have fled their home in fear, Limerick District Court previously heard.

Liam Keane — who is alleged to have broken into a house in Limerick on May 29, armed with a large knife, and having put a family “in fear” — had been refused bail last month at the district court.

However, yesterday, it emerged the High Court in Dublin had granted bail on strict conditions, including the lodgement of an independent surety of €20,000.

The accused’s uncle, Richard Keane, of St Munchins Street, St Mary’s Park, who is an employee of Limerick City Council, gave an undertaking, before judge Mary Larkin, to lodge the funds.

Richard Keane told the court the money was his “life savings”, which the court heard he had built up in an account with St Mary’s Credit Union.

A statement from the credit union savings account was handed into the court.

“These are your life savings, I take it?,” judge Larkin asked. Richard Keane replied: “Yes”.

The court heard that Richard Keane has worked as a civil servant for 39 years, and has no dependants, no borrowings, and no mortgage.

He said he understood he would have to “surrender” the €20,000 should his nephew breach the terms of his bail.

Liam Keane was remanded to appear in court again on July 19, for DPP directions.