International conman charged in Dublin

A man believed by gardaí to be a Colombian wanted by authorities in England appeared in court in Dublin today under what an officer said was thought to be a false name.

The man, who told police his name is Alejandro Cuenca, was arrested on Thursday in Dublin by gardai hunting Juan Carlos Guzman-Betancourt, 29, in connection with a burglary at a five star hotel in the city.

Cuenca was today charged with burglary and three counts of using a stolen credit card, Dublin District Court heard.

Garda Bryan McGlynn, the arresting officer, said Cuenca made no comment when the charges were put to him.

Officers did not believe that Cuenca was his real name, he told the court, adding that his fingerprints matched those of Juan Carlos Guzman-Betancourt.

Cuenca refused to co-operate with gardai when this point was put to him, he said, adding that officers believed there were warrants out for him in other jurisdictions.

Cuenca, who appeared in court wearing a navy blue T-shirt, cream trousers and trainers, spoke only to affirm he could speak English and would like a solicitor.

He was remanded in custody to appear in Clover Hill District Court on July 1.

Guzman-Betancourt is wanted by police in the United Kingdom after absconding from an open prison on June 6 while out on “temporary licence”.