Resources at the office of the Limerick State Solicitor are stretched to the limit because of the backlog of serious criminal cases in the city, Limerick District Court has heard.
Declan Sheehy (36), St Brendan Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, is charged with possession of a Sterling sub-machinegun and an explosive device at Loughmore, Mungret, on June 3rd.
Defence solicitor, Mr Pat Barriscale, told yesterday's sitting his client's rights were being abused because the book of evidence had not yet been served.
However, State solicitor Mr Michael Murray rejected the claims and said he estimated the book of evidence would be ready within three weeks. His office was already working to full capacity and was involved in a murder case and two manslaughter cases.
Judge Tom O'Donnell rejected a defence application to strike out the charges and remanded the accused in custody to appear again before Limerick District Court on September 24th next.
Four remanded over lorry hijack
Three brothers and a cousin charged in connection with an alleged lorry hijack incident were remanded on continuing bail at Limerick District Court yesterday.
Mr Martin Casey (20), Mr James Casey (25) and Mr Patrick Casey (29), all Old Cork Road, Limerick, and Mr John Casey (28), John Carew Park, Limerick, are charged with assaulting a lorry-driver under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on September 2nd at Dublin Road, Limerick. Judge Tom O'Donnell remanded them on continuing bail to appear again on October 1st.
Gardai seek public help in search
Gardaí at Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, are seeking the public's help in tracing the whereabouts of Mr Paul Rohleder jnr who has not been seen since September 2nd, 2003.
He is 42 years old and described as 5 feet 9 inches, of slim build with short dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a blue striped shirt, green anorak and green baseball cap. He is understood to be driving a green Volkswagen Golf bearing a German registration, RALA 832. Anyone with information should contact gardaí at Ballyshannon on 072-51102.
Wexford family seeks information
The family of Fiona Sinnott from Bridgetown, Co Wexford, has appealed for information. She disappeared on February 9th, 1998, after she had spent the night with friends in a pub in Broadway in the parish of Our Lady's Island. "Someone out there is hiding something. Someone knows what happened," said Fiona's sister, Caroline.