BAIL was refused in a Galway court yesterday to a mother and daughter charged with trespassing with intent to steal at the home of Galway farmer Mr Tom Casey, whose dead body was discovered on his kitchen floor on January 23rd.
Mrs Kathleen Connors (55), of Greenfields, Newcastle, Galway, and her daughter, Ms Alison Connors (21), of Killenaule, Co Tipperary, are both charged with entering Mr Casey's home on January 15th at Oranmore with intent to steal.
Sgt Donal Bolger told Galway District Court he believed the two would not turn up for trial. Mrs Kathleen Connors had failed to appear in court on three separate burglary and larceny charges during 1994 and 1995 while on bail, while her daughter had failed to appear on two burglary charges and an insurance summons in 1995.
Mr Jarlath McInerney, solicitor, for Mrs Kathleen Connors, said she had a blind 15 year old daughter and a 12 year old daughter who depended on her. Although she had failed to turn up in court, gardai had always known her whereabouts.
Mr Peter Allen, solicitor, for Ms Alison Connors, said while there had been oversights in the past, his client's address was a permanent one.
Judge John Garavan noted that while the women had failed to honour their commitments in the past, this was not grounds for refusing bail. However, it had set a pattern which gave the prosecution grounds for concern and he was not prepared to grant bail.
He extended time to allow the book of evidence to be served until March 4th and remanded the pair in custody.