Man seeks to change bail conditions to attend gym at Laois court
Photo for illustrative purposes onlt
A KILDARE man was unsuccessful in his bid to change a bail condition to shorten his curfew to allow him to join a gym when he came before Portlaoise District Court.
However, Conor McMahon, who had previously given his address as Kilpatrick, Kildangan was granted approval to alter another of his bail conditions and to now reside at 2280 Maryville, Kildare.
He was in court charged with the theft of 12 bottles of vodka valued at €394.91 from the Vintage Inn, Stradbally and 24 bottles of Bulmer’s valued at €206.14 and no insurance or driving licence at the same location on 9 October. He was also charged with the theft of four kegs of beer valued at €710 from The Rock Inn, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on 2 November.
Defending barrister Andrew Dunne said that Mr McMahon, who is a mechanic, is due to start a new job after Christmas and is taking part in physical activities and “is asking to vary the present 8pm to 7am curfew and for it to be lifted".
“All I’m asking,” said Mr McMahon, “is for the curfew to be lifted from 11pm to 5am so that I can go training.”
Mr Dunne said that his new job will necessitate him leaving his house early, with late evenings also anticipated.
“I’ll be going to the job in Dublin and using public transport,” said Mr McMahon.
Garda sgt JJ Kirby objected to any change in the curfew times.
He said the accused had “pleaded guilty to going to the licensed premises in the early hours of the morning. I’d have concerns if the curfew was varied.”
Mr McMahon said: “All I’m asking for is an extra hour in the evenings. One hour to 9pm. I’m a 35-year-old man and I can’t even join a gym.”
Judge Fay denied the request to vary the curfew times, saying: “I don’t see any rationale to it” and remanded Mr McMahon on continuing bail to the 5 January sitting of the court.
