An Athlone man charged with false imprisonment has been remanded in custody pending trial at the Circuit Court.
At the special summer sitting of Mullingar District Court, a book of evidence was served on Patrick Connors, Norwood Court, Willow Park, Athlone who is charged with false imprisonment, assault causing harm, and possession of a broken glass bottle.
On conviction, a charge of false imprisonment can carry a life sentence, while the other two charges carry maximum sentences of five years, the court heard.
The charges relate to an alleged incident at Welmount Student Village, Dublin Road, Athlone on March 12, 2011.
Connors has a four-month-old child, and the court heard he has been living outside the jurisdiction for most of the last year.
Gardaí opposed bail because of the seriousness of the charges.
Judge Mitchell was not satisfied to release Connors on €1,000 cash bail offered by his mother Josephine McDonagh to live with her at her home at Norwood Court, Willow Park, Athlone although he promised to abide by a number of conditions if granted bail.
Although Connors agreed to remain in custody for 30 days (the maximum remand without the defendant’s consent is just 15 days ), Ms Cronin said she has instructions to apply for bail now at the High Court.
Legal aid was assigned with junior and senior counsel because of the seriousness of the charges.
Connors is scheduled to appear before Mullingar District Court again in early September.
