Ukrainian woman refused bail after burglaries in south Dublin, including home of 99-year-old

A Ukrainian woman in her 30s has been remanded in custody after allegedly carrying out burglaries in Blackrock and Stillorgan and assaulting a garda.

Ukrainian woman denied bail over south Dublin burglaries and garda assault

A Ukrainian woman in her 30s has been refused bail after a judge found she had been "displaying violence all over the place" and was likely to reoffend, courtsnewsireland.ie reports.

The woman, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court on five charges: two alleged burglaries, an attempt to unlawfully enter a stationary vehicle, trespassing, and an alleged assault on a garda.

The two burglary charges arise from alleged incidents in Blackrock and Stillorgan on 12 July. Garda Odhran Boyle, of Blackrock Garda Station, told the court that the woman allegedly confronted a number of occupants at a residence, grabbed them by the throat and demanded money. One of the properties involved was the home of a 99-year-old woman; the accused is also alleged to have attempted to enter a car parked outside.

On 13 July, the woman is further accused of assaulting Garda Boyle at Blackrock Garda Station. Boyle told the court she allegedly kicked him during her arrest and continued to do so after being conveyed to the station.

A fifth charge alleges that the woman trespassed at commercial premises in Stillorgan on 30 June in a manner that caused, or was likely to cause, fear in another person.

Garda Boyle objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the charges, the risk of further offending, and the strength of the evidence.

Judge Watkin described the allegations as "serious charges", adding: "They are violent and certainly not at the lower range." She also noted the woman's conduct during the hearing itself, saying she had engaged in violent behaviour in court.

Bail was refused under Section 2 of the Bail Act. "The main reason is that I believe she is likely to offend again," Judge Watkin said, remanding the woman in custody.

Defence solicitor Andrew Vallely asked the court to order a clinical report, submitting that the woman was vulnerable and required assessment. The court heard she is originally from Ukraine and has been in Ireland for 11 months.

She is due to appear again before Dún Laoghaire District Court on 21 July for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Source: Irish Independent