Accused of stealing and crashing car and €120 diesel drive-off

A Mullingar man has been charged with breaking into a woman’s house during the early hours of the morning and stealing her car before crashing it just hours later.

Paddy Rodgers (23) of Cosgrove’s B&B, 40 Oliver Plunkett Street, Mullingar, Westmeath, appeared at last week’s sitting of Mullingar District Court to face charges of burglary, theft, the unlawful taking of a vehicle and no insurance.

Sgt Orla Keenan said it will be alleged Mr Rodgers broke into the home of his alleged victim at Cullionbeg, Mullingar, between 12 midnight and 3.30am on March 8 last.

In a jurisdiction hearing to decide whether the case was suitable to remain in the District Court, Sgt Keenan said the prosecution will allege Mr Rodgers made off in the woman’s vehicle by stealing a set of car keys while inside.

Sgt Keenan said the theft charge related to an incident a short time later at O’Brien’s Centra, Lynn Road, Mullingar, where Mr Rodgers is accused of driving off without paying having filled the car with €120 in diesel.

She said the state case will also allege Mr Rodgers crashed the stolen car soon afterwards.

The court accepted jurisdiction as legal aid was transferred to solicitor John Anderson on foot of an application by defence counsel Ross Nestor, BL.

No plea was tendered as Mr Nestor also applied for the case to be adjourned to a sitting in early December to link in with “other matters” due before the court.

Judge Emile Daly agreed to that request and remanded Mr Rodgers on bail to Mullingar District Court on December 11.