THREE MEN CHARGED with the aggravated burglary at the home of Tom Niland in Co Sligo will appear in court next Wednesday.
The men appeared before a special sitting of Sligo District Court yesterday evening in relation to the incident at the pensioner’s home in Skreen in January.
Niland, who is 73, remains in hospital in critical condition following the aggravated burglary.
The three men charged are John Irving (28), of Shanwar, Foxford, John Clarke (33), of Carrowkelly, Ballina and Francis Harmon (54), Killala Road, Ballina.
All three were charged with committing burglary at the home of Tom Niland at Doonflynn, Skreen on 18th January, and that an offensive weapon, namely a knife, was used.
Detective Sergeant Michael Kelly gave evidence of arresting and charging all three separately at Sligo, Ballymote and Carrick-on-Shannon garda stations.
Det Sgt Kelly said all three made no reply to the charge put to them after caution.
First dealt with at yesterday evening’s court sitting was John Clarke, who was represented by barrister Keith O’Grady, instructed by Shane McDermott, of Mullaneys Solicitors, Sligo.
Senior investigating officer in the case, Inspector Paul Kilcoyne, told Judge Sandra Murphy there was an objection to bail.
However O’Grady said there would not be an application for bail.
‘There will be an application but not this evening,’ he told Judge Murphy.
Legal aid was granted after the court heard Clarke was on disability.
The court also heard there would be no application for bail at this time for Francis Harmon, who was represented by Peter Loftus, Solicitor.
Legal aid was also granted to Harmon who, the court heard, was on JobSeeker’s Allowance.
In the case of John Irving, his solicitor Edward Bradbury said there was no application for bail and that there was consent to a remand in custody.
Bradbury said they may be able to make an application for bail on Wednesday next.
Legal aid was also granted to Irving who, the court was told, was on JobSeeker’s Allowance.
There was a large presence of gardaí and media for the court hearing. Among those inside the court were senior gardaí, including Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken and Superintendent Mandy Gaynor, Sligo.
A number of onlookers who had gathered in the bitter cold outside the courthouse verbally vented their anger at the three accused as they were taken up the steps and inside the building.
All three accused will appear again at Sligo District Court next Wednesday.
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