A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court in Limerick charged in connection with a kidnapping incident at the weekend. The youth, who cannot be identified because of his age, is charged with the false imprisonment of Stephen Cusack (19) on August 19th and 20th at Caisleán na hAbhann, Castletroy, Limerick.
Gardaí objected to bail because of the serious nature of the charge, which the court was told can carry a sentence of up to life in prison if tried on indictment.
At Limerick District Court yesterday, Det Garda Ivan Muldoon gave evidence of arresting and formally charging the boy in front of his parents at Henry Street Garda station on August 21st.
Solicitor Sarah Ryan was assigned to represent the boy, who was granted free legal aid. Ms Ryan told Judge John O’Neill that the boy, whose family was in court, was not earning any income.
Garda Insp Donal Cronin argued against bail because of the nature of the charge.
It is alleged three people entered the house at Caisleán na hAbhann in Limerick, armed with a handgun and a knife, and cable-tied and gagged Mr Cusack and another man. It is further alleged the two men were taken to a derelict house outside Limerick city where one man was kept at knife point and that there was an intention to get a large sum of money from his family, while the other man was freed to convey this message to the family.
Det Garda Muldoon described the boy as “very easily led” and said two other suspects were adults.Ms Ryan said her client had no previous convictions and his family had been very helpful with the Garda investigation. Judge O’Neill agreed to grant bail on strict conditions. The teenager, who has to obey a curfew, was ordered to sign on twice daily at Henry Street station and told to stay away from the Garryowen, Castletroy and Pennywell Road. He was also told not to associate with known criminals in Limerick.
He is due in court again on October 23rd.