Judge tells Chinese man living in Ireland for 12 years found to have no passport he can contact his embassy

A 33- year-old Chinese man who is understood to have been living in Ireland for 12 years, who has no passport, is being kept in custody for a further two weeks.

Xi Kai Chen, of no fixed abode, was charged with  theft of €9.80 at Tesco, Maynooth, last week and failing to produce a passport/id on the same location.

Kai Chen was arrested by Garda Shane Smyth last week for theft charges. It was then uncovered that he had no id.

Today at Kilcock District Court, Sergeant Brian O'Loughlin of Naas Garda Station, outlined that Kai Chen has still not produced any identification papers and appears to be of no fixed abode.

Defence Solicitor, Séamus Boyle, said that Kai Chen may be making an application for a work-permit.

In court a Mandarin translator appeared for Kai Chen.

Judge Desmond Zaidan asked that Kai Chen is made aware that he has the right to contact the Chinese Embassy for assistance.

The case has been adjourned until October 4 , 2016, at Kilcock District Court.