Two men appeared in court yesterday charged with the false imprisonment of a Tramore petrol pump attendant earlier this week.
Mr David Moran (23) and Mr David O'Neill (18), both from Waterford city, were charged with falsely imprisoning Mr Jamie O'Sullivan on Monday and Tuesday last "by intentionally and recklessly detaining him without his consent". They were also charged with robbing Mr O'Sullivan of £100 at the Maxol service station at Pickarstown, Tramore, on Monday.
Sgt Liam Connolly said that in response to the false imprisonment charge, Mr Moran, of Ardmore Park, Ballybeg, said "No". In relation to the robbery charge, he replied: "I made a statement, I hope I get bail".
Garda Anthony Pettit gave evidence of arresting Mr O'Neill, of Priory Lawn, Ballybeg. In response to both charges, the defendant had said: "I am sorry for what I done".
Supt John Howard told Judge William Harnett the charges were very serious and he was seeking substantial independent sureties in addition to personal bail. The court heard that each of the defendants had a warrant outstanding against them for failure to appear in court on previous occasions.
The two men told Judge Harnett they were unemployed and applied for free legal aid.
Mr Moran was granted independent bail of £6,000 and his own bail of £500.
Applying for bail for Mr O'Neill, Mr David Bulbulia, solicitor, said his client's failure to appear on a previous occasion arose from "genuine confusion". He had been told the case concerned would not go ahead. Judge Harnett remanded Mr O'Neill in custody. Both men are to appear before the same court next Thursday, January 27th.
A third man who had been questioned in relation to the incident involving Mr O'Sullivan was released without charge on Wednesday evening.
