Man to stand trial accused of brandishing slash hook in aggravated burglary

A man in his 30s is to stand trial accused of being armed with a slash hook during a violent incident at a housing estate in Mullingar earlier this year.

Hugh Myers (32) of 48 Grange Crescent, Mullingar, Westmeath, appeared before Judge Valerie Corcoran at last Thursday’s District Court sitting to face a series of charges between July 2024 and February 27 this year.

They included counts of criminal damage to cars belonging to Samantha and Colm Dinnegan on July 26 and September 19, 2024 at Grange Meadows and Pearse Street respectively.

Mr Myers was also charged with a third criminal damage charge on February 27 this year, again relating to a car, at 30 Greenpark Close, which belonged to Oliver Dinnegan.

That alleged incident also came on the same day Mr Myers was alleged to have committed violent disorder with seven other men, committed criminal damage to the front door of Lucy Dinnegan’s house at 30 Greenpark Close and carried out a burglary.

Detective Garda Brendan Hogan gave evidence before Judge Valerie Corcoran to say the state would be withdrawing the initial burglary charge and replacing it with a more serious aggravated burglary charge.

The maximum term for conviction on indictment is life in prison.

He said when the fresh charge was put to Mr Myers prior to the start of court, the accused made no reply.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said directions from the DPP had directed for the case to be sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge Corcoran was told that, as there were a number of other co-accused connected to the case, a date in November was sought for the preparation and servicing of a book of evidence.

Sgt Kenny added the DPP was open to Mr Myers going forward on a signed guilty plea “should that arise”.

Mr Myers was remanded on bail to Mullingar District Court on November 20 for the likely serving of a book of evidence and consideration of a signed plea.