Liam Keane to be released on bail after uncle pledges life savings
Limerick man, Liam Keane, who is charged with stabbing another man during a house-break is to be freed on bail, after his uncle lodged his "life savings" in court, as part of an independent surety to secure bail for his nephew
Liam Keane, (31), of Singland Gardens, Ballysimon, is charged with one count of assault causing harm, and with one count of burglary.
His alleged victim and his family have fled their home "in fear", Limerick District Court previously heard.
Liam Keane - who is alleged to have broken into a house in Limerick on May 29 last, armed with a large knife, and having put a family "in fear" - had been refused bail last month at the district court.
However, today, it emerged the High Court, Dublin, had granted bail on strict conditions, including the lodgement of an independent surety of €20,000.
This afternoon, the accused's uncle, Richard Keane, of St Munchins Street, St Mary's Park, who is an employee of Limerick City Council, gave an undertaking, before judge Mary Larkin, to lodge the funds.
Richard Keane told the court the money was his "life savings", which the court heard he had built up in an account with St Mary's Credit Union.
A statement from the credit union savings account was handed into the court.
"These are your life savings, I take it?," judge Larkin asked.
Richard Keane replied: "Yes".
The court heard Richard Keane has worked as a civil servant for 39 years, and has no dependants, no borrowings, and no mortgage.
He said he understood he would have to "surrender" the €20,000 should his nephew breach the terms of his bail.
Liam Keane's solicitor Tom Kiely told the court: "The order from the High Court is the full amount is to be lodged."
Richard Keane, was accompanied in court by his brother, and father of the accused, Christy Keane.
Liam Keane's bail conditions are that he must be of good behaviour; reside at Singland Gardens, Ballysimon; sign on daily at a garda station; obey a curfew; be available to gardai and carry a charged mobile phone at all times; surrender his passport, and not apply for new travel documents.
Gardai alleged at a previous bail hearing how Liam Keane forced his way into a house, "in possession of a large butchers knife which he used to threaten the occupants".
"He made his way to an upstairs bedroom at the rear of the house brandishing the knife," Garda Orlaith Ryan, Henry Street garda station, alleged.
"He pulled back bedclothes where a 14-year old girl was sleeping and he put her in fear," Gda Ryan told the court.
The garda alleged Liam Keane then moved to a second bedroom and, "threatened" a man and his pregnant partner with a knife, "putting them in both in extreme fear".
It is alleged Liam Keane stabbed the man on his arm.
Gda Ryan said she believed Liam Keane would "commit further serious offences" of granted bail.
"This is a volatile individual," she alleged.
"If he does get bail, he has access to firearms, and the injured parties may be at risk," Gda Ryan told the court.
Gardai said the alleged victim and his family have moved out of their home since the alleged incident.
"Their location, including the 14-year old girl, is known only by Gardai," Gda Ryan said.
Gardai told the court the girl, who was due to sit her Junior Certificate, now lives in "extreme fear".
Liam Keane has "maintained his innocence", solicitor Tom Kiely, told the bail hearing last month.
Sgt Cronin said Gardai were "ultra concerned" Liam Keane would "commit further serious offences" if granted bail.
Liam Keane has been remanded to appear in court again on July 19, for DPP directions.
