Man refused bail on Portlaoise explosives charge
Karolis Peckauskas was refused bail at today's sitting of Portlaoise District Court
A MAN who allegedly appeared in a video proclaiming to be from a far right-wing violent extremist grouping calling itself the Irish Defence Army (IDA) was remanded in custody when his application for bail was refused at Portlaoise District Court today.
Karolis Peckauskas (38) of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth was before the court charged with knowingly having in “his possession an explosive substance” at O’Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on Tuesday 4 November.
Niall Storan BL instructed by Barry Fitzgerald said his client was seeking bail to which the arresting Garda Detective Joe Fahy said he was opposing.
The detective said he stopped a car that was being driven by the defendant on the occasion and upon searching it, allegedly found threaded pipe end caps, six litres of hydrogen peroxide and plumbers’ putty along with other items.
He also alleged another man, who was the passenger at the time had a video on his phone that allegedly showed four masked men proclaiming their intent to take violent action threatening to attack a Galway Mosque, IPAS centres and hotels housing migrants around Ireland. He said a manifesto was also found and that, “a terrorist attack was imminent.” Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said that while there was an alleged video recording of the men making their declaration, he was seeking the court approval to view it in camera.
Mr Storan argued that the video should not be shown as he had not received it in advance of the hearing, adding: “I don’t know what’s on this video.” He also said that his client was before the court on an explosive charge and not on conspiracy or criminal damage charges and said that hydrogen peroxide can be used for many purposes.
“There’s not enough evidence to deny bail, only hearsay from the detective. The evidence provided is clearly weak. I can’t see anyone come in here with a straight face with such evidence,” said Mr Storan who went on to say that if granted bail his client could provide an independent surety of €20,000, provide an address and give an undertaking to sign on daily at the garda station in Drogheda.
Sgt. Kirby said there may be “more serious charges,” against Mr Peckauskas.
Judge Andrew Cody said the court would go in camera to allow Mr Storan to view the contests of the alleged video.
When the case resumed in public session Judge Andrew Cody said what he viewed on the video, and the evidence provided by Det. Fahy, “was in no doubt in my mind a danger to the state.” He said: “It is apparent that the video is a practice of a statement being released subsequent to a successful terrorist attack.
“In the statement read out on it which is addressed to all citizens in the North and South of Ireland they say that they are taking a moment to speak honestly and directly recognising that everyone in the country has had enough of the poor treatment particularly children, women and the elderly who have been left homeless starving cold and under threat due to the number of migrants that have flooded into the country.” The Judge said that the grouping in the video allegedly called themselves the IDA, the Irish People’s Army and say that their philosophy is an eye for an eye.
“They say they intend to target IPAS centres mosques and hotels housing migrants and that they would take this as far as necessary to achieve their goals and call on others to join them,” said Judge Cody.
He went on to deny the bail request and remanded Mr Peckauskas in custody, by consent, to appear again at Portlaoise District Court by video on 18 December.
