No bail for man accused of attempt to abduct young girl

A 35-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the false imprisonment of a child in Co Laois.

Michael Martin, with an address at Yellow Road, Waterford appeared before Portlaoise District Court this afternoon.

The court was told that a man pulled up beside children playing at Old Town in Cullahill on Wednesday morning in a stolen vehicle and tried to pull a young girl into the car.

The child managed to escape with the help of her brother who jumped onto the moving vehicle.

The court also heard that on his arrest, when questioned about the incident, Mr Martin gave the reply: "I did not abduct anyone".

An application for bail was refused by Judge Catherine Staines, citing the seriousness of the charge.

He was granted free legal aid and was ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment.

Mr Martin was remanded in custody to appear again before Cloverhill District Court on March 13.