Man appears in court in connection with credit union raid

A 43-year-old man has appeared in court today following an armed raid at a credit union in Portmarnock in Dublin last Friday evening

Derek Murphy, with addresses at Macroom Avenue, Coolock and Springdale Road, Raheny is accused of possession of a handgun at St Samsons Court, Balgriffin.

Two men, armed with a gun, held up the credit union in Portmarnock last Friday evening and escaped with a quantity of cash.

The raiders were confronted by a garda on patrol and let off a number of shots before hijacking a car and fleeing the scene.

Two men were subsequently arrested and gardaí carried out follow-up searches in the Belmayne area.

This afternoon, Derek Murphy appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara.

The court heard when charged yesterday evening with possessing a handgun he replied: "On the advice of my solicitor, I was advised to remain silent".

There was no bail application today but legal aid was granted by the judge who was told he is in receipt of social welfare.