TWO MEN have been remanded in custody at a special court sitting in relation to a three month crime spree against elderly and vulnerable people across County Monaghan.

The pair are charged with a plethora of alleged burglaries, thefts and attempted thefts on individuals in Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Ballybay, Glaslough, Clontibret, Annyalla, Latton, Broomfield, Laragh, Culloville, Oram and Donaghmoyne between January 18 and April 3 of this year. Before Judge Flann Brennan at Ardee District Court on Good Friday were Myles Connors, (26), of 23 Galloway, Warrenpoint, Co Down on a total of 18 charges involving burglary, theft and attempted theft on individuals.

The second man before Judge Brennan was Tom Ward, (19) also of 23 Galloway, Warrenpoint and with another address of Bessbrook, Co Armagh. Ward was before the court on a total of 19 charges involving alleged burglary, theft and attempted theft on individuals.

Garda Inspector Fintan McTiernan, Carrickmacross said that the total amount of cash taken over the period amounted to E2,000.

Both defendants remanded in custody to a sitting of Drogheda District Court this Friday, April 13. Garda Michael Fitzpatrick gave evidence of re-arresting Tom Ward in Carrickmacross on Wednesday last. He was opposing bail for the defendant, he said, because a bench warrant had been in existence for Ward from Arklow District Court since March 18 when the defendant had failed to appear there.

Garda John Doherty, said that he had re-arrested Myles Connors on Wednesday last in Carrickmacross. The garda witness said that he was opposing bail for Connors as he was aware of two bench warrants being in existence for the arrest of the defendant – one from Ballinasloe District Court and a second from Athlone District Court.

Garda Doherty added that gardai were not sure of a permanent address for Connors.
He added that further alleged burglary charges of occupied houses throughout County Monaghan may also be taken against the defendants.

Solicitor, Mr Gerry Jones, Carrickmacross represented both defendants and told the court that no violence was used with regard to any of the offences allegedly perpetrated by his clients. Judge Brennan remanded the pair in custody but added that he may not accept jurisdiction.