Teens charged over robbery that led to death
Sunday November 29 2009
TWO Arklow teenagers appeared at the local district court last night on charges arising from a robbery at a grocery and newsagent's during which the owner was stabbed to death.
John Byrne of Croghan Heights, Arklow, Co Wicklow, who will be 19 in January, and Anthony Farrell, 19, of Marian Villas, Arklow, Co Wicklow, are charged with robbing cash to the value of €150 from Brauder's Shop, Coolgreany Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow, on November 25 last.
In the 20-minute hearing Judge Murrough Connellan remanded both defendants in custody to appear again at Wicklow District Court on December 4.
Sergeant Conor P McEvoy gave evidence of charging John Byrne in Wicklow and he told the court that in reply to the charge the defendant said: "I don't know what to say to you."
Sergeant Fergal McHugh gave evidence of charging Anthony Farrell in Arklow and he told the court that the defendant made no reply in answer to the charge.
Solicitor Thomas Honan was appointed to represent them and opposed the application of Supt Pat Ward to have the defendants remanded in custody.
Supt Ward said that the charge of robbery was a very serious offence and the case resulted in the death of a man. The gardai are in possession of the weapon used, which was a knife.
Supt Ward said that the investigation was ongoing and files would be forwarded to the DPP and further charges were contemplated.
In the case of John Byrne there were texts on his mobile phone about leaving the jurisdiction.
In the case against the second defendant, Supt Ward said that the knife was in the possession of Anthony Farrell and it was later found in his home.
He said that authorities were continuing to gather evidence and further serious charges may be preferred against the defendants.
He said that they had evidence from Anthony Farrell's mobile phone that he was considering fleeing the country and that forced them to act and arrest the defendant.
- Mark Kennedy
Sunday Independent
