A TEENAGER has appeared at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on charges arising from an alleged incident in Limerick city at the weekend where two petrol bombs were found close to the home of a State witness.
Christopher Keane (18), Derrymore East, O’Callaghans Mills, Co Clare, was brought before Ennis District Court at 5.30pm yesterday after he had been charged earlier in Limerick. He was arrested on Saturday with another man and questioned by gardaí.
He faces a charge of possessing two petrol bombs with intent to damage a car in a way likely to endanger life, and a charge under the Explosive Substance Act. The offences are alleged to have occurred on Saturday.
Garda Paul Crowley of Roxboro Road station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, and told Judge Olann Kelleher the accused made no reply.
Garda Crowley said Mr Keane “is aligned with individuals in Limerick charged with serious offences at present”. He said “items” were found near the home of a State witness who is under 24-hour protection, and that the accused had been seen close to the State witness in the past week.
The garda said “certain remarks were made” to the State witness.
Garda Crowley said the State was objecting to bail. He said the alleged offences carried a term of imprisonment of up to 14 years.
Tara Godfrey, defending, said her client would stay with his parents, sign on with gardaí each day and stay out of Limerick city. She said bail had been granted in cases carrying longer sentences.
Judge Kelleher refused bail and remanded the accused in custody to appear at Limerick District Court tomorrow.