Man accused of burglary while armed with axe in feud-related attack on house of rival faction

A Mullingar man is due to go on trial this week accused of arming himself with an axe during a violent aggravated burglary at the home of a rival faction in the town earlier this year.

Michael Myers (39), 34 Grange Heights, Mullingar, Westmeath, was served with a book of evidence at last week’s sitting of Mullingar District Court in connection to an incident on February 27, 2025 at 30 Greenpark Close, Mullingar.

He is one of six co-accused individuals who are due to stand trial this week at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Kenneth Connolly.

Garda Enda Reddan gave evidence of having served a book of evidence on Mr Myers, which the court was told contained four charges.

Two of the charges relate to criminal damage, including to a car belonging to Oliver Dinnegan.

The Mullingar man was also charged with violent disorder with seven other named defendants, a charge that on conviction in the Circuit Court can carry a penalty of up to 10 years.

A more serious charge of aggravated burglary alleges that Mr Myers arrived at the home of Lucy Dinnegan with an axe. That section 13 charge is one which can, on conviction in the Circuit Court, attract a maximum tariff of life in prison.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said the DPP had given consent for the accused to be returned for trial to Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Owens affirmed that request and gave Mr Myers the alibi warning.

Defence counsel Chloe Fogarty, BL, applied for legal aid and one counsel.

Judge Owens granted the application and remanded Mr Myers on bail to Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday, November 27.