A Ukrainian woman accused of committing burglaries in south Dublin – including one on the home of a 99-year-old woman – has been refused bail after a judge said she had been “displaying violence all over the place” and was likely to offend again.
The woman, who is in her 30s and of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court on five charges, including two alleged burglaries, unlawfully attempting to get into a stationary vehicle, trespassing and an alleged assault on a garda.
The case was heard in camera.
Garda Odhran Boyle, of Blackrock Garda Station, objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the charges, the risk that the woman would commit further offences and the strength of the evidence.
The court heard that the accused woman faces two burglary charges arising from alleged incidents in Blackrock and Stillorgan on July 12.
Gda Boyle told the court that the woman allegedly confronted a number of occupants at a residence, grabbed them by the throat and demanded money.
The court heard that one offence involved the home of a 99-year-old woman and that the accused also allegedly attempted to get into a car parked outside the property.
The woman is further accused of assaulting Garda Boyle at Blackrock Garda Station on July 13.
Garda Boyle said the accused allegedly kicked him during her arrest and continued kicking him when conveyed to Blackrock Garda Station.
A fifth charge alleges that the woman trespassed at commercial premises in Stillorgan on June 30 in a manner that caused, or was likely to cause, fear in another person.
The court heard that the woman is originally from Ukraine and has been in Ireland for 11 months.
Judge Watkin described the allegations as “serious charges”, adding: “They are violent and certainly not at the lower range.”
She said the crux of the matter was that the woman was facing serious charges involving violence towards other people.
The judge also referred to the woman’s conduct during the hearing, saying she had engaged in violent behaviour and had been “displaying violence all over the place”.
She refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act and remanded the woman in custody. “The main reason is that I believe she is likely to offend again”, Judge Watkin said.
Defence solicitor, Andrew Vallely, asked the court to order a clinical report, saying the woman was vulnerable and needed to be assessed.
She is due to appear again for mention before Dún Laoghaire District Court on July 21 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.