THE fast response by Gardaí to a call reporting suspicious activity in a derelict property in Oranmore was commended by Judge Tom McSharry when a defendant was brought before him in relation to the alleged incident.
Before Galway District Court was Pat Dodd, Doughiska Road, Galway, facing charges relating to the alleged taking of items from a derelict property.
Prosecuting Garda Sgt Damien Prendergast outlined what is alleged to have taken place on September 4 last.
He said a neighbour was alerted by a dog barking at approximately 12.30pm and saw a van pulled up outside the derelict property. The neighbour immediately alerted the Gardaí and saw a man enter the property and check a number of containers.
He was then seen to enter the rear of the property and leave with a wheelbarrow containing cable, and to drive away in the direction of the old Dublin road.
Gardaí responding and driving to the scene spotted the van, stopped it and arrested the defendant.
“One can only commend the excellent Garda work,” Judge McSharry noted.
The Court was told that John Martin solr usually represented Dodd but because of the ongoing legal aid dispute was not in a position to do so on the day.
Matters were adjourned until the December 12 sitting of the Court when the defendant can decide whether to enter a guilty plea or seek a date for his case to be defended and heard in full.
Dodd signed a bail bond and was told to be back in Court in December.
