Newbridge resident accused of thefts denied bail at Kildare court

A man accused of multiple counts of theft and one count of trespass was denied bail.

The decision was made by Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, May 4.

His verdict relates to Andy Connors, with an address listed as 2 Millfield Close in Newbridge.

The 23-year-old was accused of committing three thefts in County Kildare, as well as one theft in County Limerick, on dates between 2021 and 2023, in addition to one count of trespass at a property in Newbridge on March 18 last.

Gardaí objected to bail being granted for Mr Connors, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him, as well as the strength of the evidence against the defendant.

Defending barrister Aisling Murphy said that her client had been prejudiced by the passage of time for two of the alleged offences: one allegedly took place two-and-a-half years ago, while another took place just over a year ago.

"I think it’s a bit rich, especially since gardaí could have easily contacted him," Ms Murphy added: "These delays are inexcusable and are incredibly unfair (for my client)."

She further claimed that her client had a receipt for the items he stole on one date, but the garda on the stand alleged that the items were only paid for after he was caught with the stolen items.

However, gardaí said that the investigation 'would take time,' especially since it involved going through a lot of CCTV footage.

After consideration, although Judge Desmond Zaidan said that Mr Connors is entitled to the presumption of innocence, he sided with the State’s argument, citing the serious nature of the allegations, and refused bail.

The case will return to court on May 11.