A MOTHER of 17 accused of attempting to extort €24,000 from a Co Limerick man, has been granted bail after appearing in court in connection with an alleged extortion racket.
Brigid Ryan of Fairgreen, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, is charged with demanding money with menaces from Patrick Hegarty at Fairgreen, Rathkeale, between December 14th and December 25th last. The 52-year-old is accused of demanding €24,000 from Mr Hegarty and threatening to blow up his house if he did not pay.
The woman was first charged at a special sitting of Newcastle West District Court in Co Limerick on New Year’s Day last. Gardaí objected to bail.
However when she appeared before Kilmallock District Court yesterday, her solicitor Ted McCarthy said he was renewing his bail application as there had been “a significant change in circumstances”.
Supt Tom Lundon told the court certain matters had been brought to his attention yesterday morning and gardaí were not objecting to bail on certain conditions. He said the accused must stay away from the alleged injured party and members of his family.
She was also ordered to sign on daily at Rathkeale Garda station.
Judge Mary O’Halloran granted free legal aid after a statement of means was presented to the court.