TWO MEN CHARGED with firearms offences and conspiracy to murder a Dublin man have been remanded in custody.
Stephen Dunne (38) and Gary Gleeson (33) were arrested on 7 August when gardaí intercepted a van at about 8pm during an operation targeting organised crime in Dublin.
A judge heard today that unemployed defendant Gleeson has no legitimate income but had listed a €4,000 Rolex watch and an Audi car worth €14,000 as assets in his application for free legal aid.
Both men were taken to Crumlin Garda Station and detained for questioning under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. They were charged on Saturday evening and held pending their appearance before Judge Alan Mitchell at Dublin District Court this morning, where they were remanded in custody until Friday.
They are charged with conspiring to murder Dublin man Michael Frazer at a location within the State between 28 July and 7 August this year.
Both men also have two charges under the Firearms Act for possession of a Taurus PT92 semi-automatic Luger 9mm pistol and 10 rounds of 9mm short Sellier & Bellot ammunition with intent to endanger life at Naas Road, Crumlin on 7 August. The pair could possibly face further charges, Judge Mitchell was told.
Due to the nature of the conspiracy to murder charges they cannot make a bail application in the District Court and must apply to the High Court in order to be released pending trial.
Detective Jonathan Griffin, who is attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Unit, told Judge Mitchell that Dunne, who has an address at Meile an Rí Drive, Lucan, Co Dublin, was charged at 8pm on Saturday.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit and runners, Dunne remained silent during the hearing and sat forwards with his hands clasped as the judge heard evidence.
Griffin said Dunne made no reply when he was charged. He said the investigation file is being completed for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and further charges could follow.
Legal aid
Judge Mitchell granted legal aid after he was furnished with a statement of Dunne’s means by his solicitor Michael French. He was also told the accused is in receipt of a disability allowance.
He noted that the man had required medical attention while he was in garda custody for the past week. He directed that he must receive necessary medical attention in prison.
Detective Garda Val Russell told the court the co-defendant (Gleeson), of Muskerry Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, replied “no comment” when he was charged with the three offences.
Gleeson, who was wearing runners, grey tracksuit bottoms, a pink t-shirt and a grey patterned hooded top, sat back with his hands in his pockets during the hearing.
Detective Russell told the court that directions from the DPP were required and Gleeson could also face further charges.
Applying for legal aid, defence solicitor Geraldine McKenzie furnished Judge Mitchell with a statement of Gleeson’s means. Mitchell said he was drawn to the part of the statement in which the accused had listed a €14,000 Audi car, a Rolex watch worth €4,000 and another car valued at €500 as his assets.
Russell pointed out that the accused was not working and not in receipt of social welfare. He also said those assets were in Gleeson’s home when it was searched.
McKenzie said the Audi belonged to her client’s partner and was acquired as a result of a personal injuries action.
Judge Mitchell deferred ruling on the issue of legal aid so that more information could be obtained. He also remarked that making a false statement of means was a criminal offence.
Gleason did not address the court but spoke quietly to his solicitor to inform her that he did not wish to appear via video link at his next appearance.
The men will appear before Cloverhill District Court on Friday when their cases will be listed for directions from the DPP to be given and possible further charges to be brought. More information to assist the court in relation to Gleeson’s request to be allowed legal aid will also be given.
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