TWO TEENAGE boys have been remanded in custody after they appeared in court charged in connection with a shooting incident in Limerick city earlier this month.
Michael Ryan (19), of St Munchin's Street, St Mary's Park, Limerick, is accused of having a double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun outside a house at St Munchin's Street last Wednesday, April 2.
A 14-year-old-boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also appeared before Limerick District Court accused of possession of the same weapon on the same date.
During the brief hearing, Judge Eamon O'Brien was told by investigating gardaí that neither of the accused made any reply when they were charged at Mayorstone and Henry Street Garda stations.
Legal aid was granted to each of the accused and Insp Séamus Gallagher asked that the teenagers be remanded in custody until next Tuesday afternoon.
In relation to Ryan, solicitor John Devane said he would not be applying for bail due to tensions in the St Mary's Park area. "If he were released today he would be at risk of losing his life and there would also be a serious risk to members of his family," he said.
When the case of the 14-year-old boy was called, Mr Devane asked that his client's 17-year-old sister be allowed to remain in the public gallery as the parents of the young boy were not present for the hearing. A Peace Commissioner was also present.
Again, a bail application was not made in the interests of the security of the young man and his extended family. "In the heat of the thing it would not be appropriate to apply for bail today," said Mr Devane. Each of accused are due to appear before the same court again next Tuesday afternoon, when bail will be sought.