Man charged in relation to hit and run that leaves Cllr Willie Crowley fighting for life was hiding in wardrobe when Gardai found him last night

A 28-year-old Polish man charged with a hit and run leaving a popular Co Kildare Cllr battling for his life has been refused bail.

Damian Klansincki of  Michael Dempsey, Newtown, Nurney, Co Kildare, appeared before Naas District Court this afternoon, following an arrest by Gardai last night in a Newbridge flat. On Tuesday night, at approximately 8.30p.m.  Independent Cllr  Crowley was seriously injured at the junction of John Street and James Street. The defendant was found by Gardai 24 hours later, last night at about 8p.m  in a Newbridge flat.

Evidence was given in court that Klansincki was hiding in a wardrobe when they located him.

In court Sgt James O'Sullivan outlined that Klansincki replied to the charges, last night, "I was in shock and I was afraid."

Inspector Mel Byrne and Sgt O' Sullivan objected to Klansincki getting bail, for fear that he was a flight risk.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that Klansincki appear at Athy District Court next Tuesday.