Alleged burglar 'said he was a water worker'

Judge's gavel.

Andrew Phelan

A pensioner has been accused of burglary at three different south-Dublin eateries by posing as a worker for "the water company".

George Courtier (66) is alleged to have pretended he was a water company official to gain access to sushi and Thai restaurants and a bakery.

The case against him was adjourned at Dublin District Court and he was remanded on bail.

Mr Courtier, with an address at the South Richmond Street Hostel, is charged with three counts of entering a premises with intent to commit an offence.

The offences are alleged to have happened at Lolly & Cooks and Kokoro, both on Merrion Street Upper, and at Yum Thai on Baggot Street on July 14 this year.

Business

A garda sergeant told the court it was alleged that the accused gained entry by saying he was "from the water company".

"Access was gained to the interior of business premises, it is alleged he moved from location to location," the sergeant said.

Applying for bail, Mr Courtier's solicitor Aine Flynn said the accused had no access to funds.

He had no contact with his family and would not be able to come up with any cash. Judge Michael Walsh granted bail in the defendant's own bond of €300, with no lodgement required.

Conditions are that he signs on daily at Pearse Street Garda Station and continues to live at his hostel address.

Judge Walsh asked the defendant if he had a phone number he could provide to the gardai.

"I do but I can never remember it," he replied.

The judge said the number would have to be handed over to the gardai.

"These allegations are particularly serious and particularly opportunistic in nature," Judge Walsh said.

"If you are back before me having allegedly committed any other offences while on bail, I will not grant you bail again."