A Tralee man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and stealing a dog, has claimed he’s a tenant there and the dog was his.
30-year-old David Walsh, with an address of 38 Cois Coille, Killeen Road, Tralee, appeared in Tralee District Court on one charge.
That is one count of burglary at an apartment on Upper Rock Street on 14th October.
It’s alleged that on the morning of 14th October, Mr Walsh attempted to enter his ex-partner’s apartment through the window, and when this did not work, he kicked in the door.
It’s alleged that he then stole a box of fireworks and a dog from the apartment.
Gardaí objected to Mr Walsh being released on bail, citing the nature and seriousness of the charge, and the strength of evidence.
They also raised concerns that he would interfere with the alleged injured party in the case, with whom he has children.
Mr Walsh’s solicitor, Pádraig O’Connell, cross-examined the garda during the bail hearing, and claimed that in fact the apartment’s tenancy is in the names of both his client and the ex-partner.
Judge David Waters said he cannot be charged with burglary on a property he is entitled to enter, but gardaí told the court they believe Mr Walsh had moved out two weeks before the incident, and a box of fireworks and dog were removed from the premises.
Mr O’Connell told the court that the dog belongs to his client and he can establish that the dog is his.
Judge Waters said this is not your typical burglary case, as the defendant was living in the apartment previously and has been in an on/off relationship with this person.
Sergeant Chris Manton said he would have to wonder, if Mr Walsh is a tenant there, why he did not have a key.
Judge Waters remanded him on bail on his own bond of €300, to appear again in Tralee District Court on 22nd October for DPP directions.
In relation to the items allegedly stolen, Mr O’Connell told the court, “We never claimed to own the fireworks, only the dog”.
