Alleged member of Lithuanian crime gang in Cork drugs case to appeal bail refusal

A garda told Cork District Court that Jonas Pavilionis only came to Cork eight weeks ago 'purely for the purpose of protection'

Jonas Pavilionis was charged with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply and having a machete. Picture: Larry Cummins

An alleged member of a Lithuanian organised crime gang under investigation in Cork had his bail application refused after a detective claimed “he would be gone in two seconds” if released, but he is to appeal this at the High Court on Thursday.

Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern arrested 46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis of no fixed address and objected to bail in his case on March 25. When solicitor Eddie Burke put it to him about his concern that the accused would leave the country if granted bail, the detective said: “He would be gone in two seconds.”