'I really am sorry for the death of that man', Limerick accused told gardaí, court hears
By David Raleigh
One of two cousins charged with burglary at a house, where a man was found dead on Thursday, told Gardai, "I really am sorry for the death of that man," a court heard today.
David Casey, 20, of Carragh Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, and Michael Casey, 32, with an address at Bay 9, Clonglong Halting Site, Limerick, were brought before a special sitting of Limerick District Court this afternoon.
The two accused men were each charged with entering the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Upper Doon, Co Limerick, on August 27th, and stealing a ladies gold watch valued at €200, and stealing £30 pounds sterling, contrary to Section 12 (1) (b) and (3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act.
Mr O'Donoghue, 62, was found dead at his home on Thursday afternoon after a burglary at the house.
He had just returned to his residence located on the Doon to Cappawhite road near the Limerick Tipperary border.
His body was found by his sister Christina who alerted neighbours and the emergency services.
Despite efforts to resuscitate Mr O'Donoghue, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post mortem carried out on his body at University Hospital Limerick on Friday confirmed he died of a heart attack.
Garda Bill Collins, Cappamore Garda station, gave evidence of charging Michael Casey with three counts of burglary, and one count of causing criminal damage.
Garda Collins told the court Michael Casey replied: "I really am sorry for the death of that man", to each of the four counts.
Garda Elaine O'Donovan, Bruff Garda station, told the court, after she arrested and charged David Casey, he did not say anything.
Both accused men were also charged with burglary at the home of Hester O'Keefe, St Jude's, Kyle, Cappamore, Co Limerick, on August 27th last, and stealing jewellery worth €1,000.
Each man was also charged with burglary at the home of Kate Egerton, at Portnard on August 27th last, and causing €250 worth of criminal damage to the front door of the house.
They were also charged with causing €120 worth of criminal damage on the same date, at the home of Roger Danaher, Dromsallagh, Cappamore.
Michael Casey shouted "get off her", when Gardai escorted a woman and a child out of the court.
Judge Marie Keane granted both men free legal aid.
Henry Street Superintendent Derek Smart, prosecuting, applied for a one week remand in custody in respect of each man.
Judge Marie Keane remanded the cousins in custody to appear before Limerick District Court via video link, on September 1st next.
