A GALWAY man charged with breaking into the home of Clare Galway farmer, Mr Patrick Duggan, faced an additional charge of aggravated burglary when he appeared before Galway District Court yesterday.
Mr Kevin Curran of Castle Park, Galway was denied bail, despite his solicitor claiming to Judge John Garavan that the defendant was not receiving adequate medical attention at Mountjoy prison for an injury to his eyes.
Mr Curran is charged with entering Mr Duggan's home at Kiltrogue, Claregalway as a trespasser on December 13th and stealing £100 in cash.
At yesterday's sitting he was further charged with entering Mr Duggan's bomb as a trespasser with intent to steal while being in possession of a knife.
Mr Michael McDarby, the accused man's solicitor, said he was applying for bail so that his client could receive proper medical attention for injuries to his eyes. His client had only seen a doctor once since he was remanded in custody in Mountjoy and he needed painkillers.
Mr McDarby said the painkillers had been prescribed by a doctor but they could not be given to Mr Curran without the authorisation of the prison governor, who he said was not available.
"He needs continuous treatment for his eyes. He has lost the sight in one eye and has seriously diminished sight in the other", he said.
Mr McDarby said his client was willing to put up substantial bail and would report to the gardai four times a day if it was required. He also said that Mr Curran had not been in trouble before.
Insp Martin Lee objected to bail being granted and pointed out that Mr Curran was being brought to University College Hospital Galway by gardai later yesterday for an examination. He added that if bail was to be granted, it would be in the form of a substantial sum of money.
Remanding the defendant in custody until December 30th, Judge John Garavan said he felt certain that if medical attention was needed in prison it would be provided.