Man charged with burglary left his dog behind at scene of alleged crime, court hears
Gardaí suspected Staffordshire bull terrier left at a house belonged to the accused and brought it to his home, where it was recognised by an occupant, who took the dog in, it was alleged. File picture
An alleged burglar left his Staffordshire bull terrier behind at a crime scene following a house break-in, a court has heard.
Michael McDonagh, 27, with an address at Emmet Crescent, Inchicore, Dublin, is charged with theft, burglary, trespassing, criminal damage, and obstructing a garda on March 8 last.
Garda Damian Kelly told Cloverhill District Court the accused, a father of one, was arrested in the early hours following incidents on West Terrace, also in Inchicore.
Objecting to bail, Garda Kelly said it was the State's case the accused entered one residential property and removed an electric bicycle and keys.
However, the stolen bicycle was subsequently "disabled", and Mr McDonagh was spotted walking it when he was stopped.
Garda Kelly told the court the accused explained he had gone out to get cigarettes and he bought the electric bicycle from a "crackhead".
It was claimed he used a bank card taken from one of the homes to buy items worth €41 at an Applegreen shop on Tyrconnell Road.
CCTV footage allegedly showed him leaving his own house with his dog, but later heading in the direction of Goldenbridge without the pet.
A Staffordshire bull terrier was left behind at one of the houses.
Gardaí responding to the report suspected the animal belonged to the accused and brought it to his home, where it was recognised by an occupant, who took the dog in, it was alleged.
Defence solicitor Andrew Molony pointed out his client was not the height given in a description to gardaí.
Mr Molony said his client was a father and was involved in his child's life. He stressed his client had the presumption of innocence, and argued as burglaries go, this was at the lower end of the scale.
Judge Patricia Cronin held bail could be granted with conditions, in his own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €2,000, of which €1,000 must be lodged.
She set down conditions, directing Mr McDonagh must have no contact with witnesses and must stay away from the locations of the alleged offences.
He has to sign on daily at a Garda station, reside at an alternative address, surrender his passport, and provide gardaí with a contact phone number.
The Director of Public Prosecutions authorised trial on indictment, and a book of evidence was served on the accused in court.
Judge Cronin then granted a return for trial order, sending Mr McDonagh forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on October 22 next.
He was remanded in custody until a surety is approved and pays the bail money.
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