Four men with Dublin addresses appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court last night charged in connection with an attempted raid on the AIB bank in Abbeyleix on Friday. They were charged with conspiring to rob the bank at Main Street, Abbeyleix, and were remanded in custody until Thursday.
Two of the accused men are brothers. Mr Gareth Quinn (24), Maplewood Way, Tallaght, was charged with conspiring to rob the bank and with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle, a Porsche, in Abbeyleix on December 7th.
Mr Ian Quinn (20), St Aongus Road, Tymon North, Tallaght, was, in addition to being charged with conspiring to rob the bank, charged with taking possession of a vehicle at Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook, Dublin, on November 25th.
Mr Kevin Lynch (32), Glenshane Crescent, Tallaght, was charged with conspiring to rob the bank and with taking possession of a vehicle at Main Street, Blanchardstown, on November 21st.
Mr John Bishop (36), St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, was charged with taking a vehicle, a Porsche, without consent at Stoney Road, Dublin, on December 5th. He was also charged with conspiring to rob the bank.
Detectives attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. Det Sgt Martin Mooney gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Gareth Quinn yesterday afternoon. He had nothing to say in reply.
The judge asked Mr Quinn if he wanted a solicitor under the free legal aid scheme. He requested Mr Terry Hanahoe and was granted free legal aid.
Det Garda Seβn Grennan gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Lynch. He had nothing to say in reply. Asked by Judge O'Sullivan if he wanted to nominate a solicitor, Mr Lynch said he would think about it for a few days.
Det Garda Derek Spain gave evidence of arresting and charging Mr Bishop. He replied "not guilty" when charged. Mr Bishop also asked to be represented by Mr Hanahoe.
Det Sgt Patrick Flood gave evidence of arresting and charging Ian Quinn. He made no reply. Mr Quinn was assigned free legal aid and will be represented by Mr Robert Egar. Supt Maurice Regan of Abbeyleix applied for the remand.
A large crowd gathered outside the courthouse.