Homeless man charged with theft of bicycles in Mullingar

A Mullingar man has appeared in court charged with stealing two bicycles in the centre of the town within a matter of weeks. Darren Farrell (29) of no fixed abode, was before Mullingar District Court last week in front of Judge Valerie Corcoran.

Mr Farrell, who is in custody on unrelated matters, was charged with two alleged offences in May and June this year.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP had been received, allowing for summary disposal of both charges.

In giving a brief outline of the state case, Sgt Kenny said the first incident took place outside the credit union offices on Oliver Plunkett Street on May 23.

The owner of the bicycle reported the matter to gardaí which, and Mr Farrell was identified on CCTV footage as the alleged perpetrator.

The second incident came under the scrutiny of gardaí following a similar theft at Aldi, Green Road, Mullingar on June 26.

The purple bicycle, Sgt Kenny added, was valued at €250; the bicycle in the earlier theft was valued at €200.

Judge Corcoran accepted jurisdiction, and the case will be heard in the District Court.

Andrea Callan, BL, defending, asked for a disclosure order to be made relating to all applicable state evidence.

Mr Farrell did not indicate a plea and was granted legal aid.

The case is due to return to this Thursday’s Mullingar District Court, where Mr Farrell is expected to appear via video link.