Two Dublin Men Denied Bail After Circle K Burglary in Cabinteely
Two men have been refused bail following an alleged burglary at a Circle K station in south Dublin, where gardaí found €10,741 worth of cigarettes and vapes packed into black bags. The incident, which occurred on September 7, has brought a wave of charges against both men, with one facing a staggering 67 counts.
Who are the men charged in the Circle K burglary?
Michael Connors (49), of Kilbogget Grove, Cabinteely, and Michael Cash (34), of Ashlawn Park, Ballybrack, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice. Their arrests came as part of Operation Thor, a nationwide garda initiative targeting burglaries and thefts.
Mr Connors was charged with burglary and possession of a metre-long wooden bat intended for use in the burglary. Of his 67 total charges, only two relate to the Circle K incident. The remaining 65 concern separate alleged thefts and associated criminal damage during July and August.
Mr Cash faced the same two charges from the Circle K incident, along with eight other charges for separate alleged offences.
What happened during the alleged burglary?
The court heard that two men wearing white face masks were apprehended by gardaí at Circle K Eglington on the N11 Bray Road in Cabinteely at around 3am on Monday morning. A side door had been forced open, and the men were found in possession of black bags containing the stolen goods. A one-metre-long wooden bat was also discovered.
Why did the judge refuse bail for Michael Connors?
Garda Andrew Hughes objected to bail for Mr Connors under Section 2 of the Bail Act and on O'Callaghan grounds, citing his identification on CCTV. Mr Connors lives less than 50 metres from the Circle K, and staff working there expressed fears about him returning to the shop.
Defence solicitor Andrew Vallely argued that strict bail conditions, such as staying away from the Circle K or living outside Dublin, could address these concerns. He also noted his client had suffered two recent bereavements, with his mother and brother dying recently, and was receiving treatment for addiction difficulties.
Judge Conor Fottrell expressed sympathy for Mr Connors' losses but was not satisfied that garda objections under Section 2 were established. However, he ruled that the O'Callaghan grounds were met, citing concerns about evading justice and potential witness intimidation. Bail was refused, and Mr Connors was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court by video link on September 15.
What happened in Michael Cash's separate bail hearing?
Garda Shane O'Connor objected to bail for Mr Cash under Section 2 of the Bail Act. Mr Cash was apprehended at the shop but, after displaying seizure-like symptoms, was taken to St Vincent's University Hospital, where he was arrested at around 6am.
Mr Cash, who proceeded without his solicitor due to strike action, told the judge he was seeking bail because his father was seriously ill. 'The reason I'm applying for bail is my father is dying at the moment in hospital,' he said.
Judge Fottrell acknowledged the difficult circumstances but was satisfied that the Section 2 objection was established, refusing bail to prevent further offences. Mr Cash was also remanded to appear at Cloverhill District Court on September 15.
What does this case mean for the community?
This case highlights the ongoing work of gardaí under Operation Thor to tackle burglaries across Dublin. It also raises questions about addiction support and the pressures facing families in our communities. As the legal process unfolds, the presumption of innocence remains, and both men will have their day in court.
Legal aid was granted to Mr Connors, who is not currently working. The case continues to be monitored by local residents and business owners, who hope for a resolution that ensures safety and fairness for all involved.