Thomas McInerney (39), Twomey Park, Mountmellick; William McInerney (35), Newline Close, Mountrath; and Gerard McInerney (38), Woodbrook, Mountrath have to date been in custody for nine weeks.

On Wednesday 14 September Judge Conal Gibbons remanded them in custody for a further two weeks, which will bring their time on remand to a total of 12 weeks since they were first charged on 13 July 2016.

Sergeant Mark O’Connell, the charging officer in this case, was present at Wednesday’s hearing in Cloverhill District Court to explain why the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has yet to give directions in relation to the case.

Sgt O’Connell said the “substantial” and “complex” file has yet to be sent to the director’s office because one statement in the case is still outstanding. This statement is due on Thursday from one of the four gardaí injured on the night of 12 July when, according to the gardaí, the three McInerney men rammed a garda patrol car and then collided with another garda vehicle.

A file will then be prepared by gardaí which is expected to be sent to the DPP’s office on Friday 23 September.

In excess of 90 statements have so far been taken in connection with this case.

Objection

Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing, counsel for William McInerney, objected to the length of time already given to prepare a file for the DPP and have the director’s office give directions in relation to this case.

However, Judge Gibbons said that as the case is “complex” and “concerns allegations of gravity”, it is “reasonable” that he gives more time for the purpose of DPP directions.

“Based on the evidence I have heard, it is reasonable that to extend time for DPP directions,” the judge told the court.

He therefore remanded the three McInerney men in custody until 28 September when they will appear again in Cloverhill District Court for directions from the DPP as to how the prosecution will proceed.

Arrests

William, Thomas and Gerard McInerney were arrested on the night of 12 July, after gardaí stopped the men in the jeep at a road checkpoint at Cloncourse, Portlaoise.

According to gardaí, the three men rammed the garda patrol car and then collided with another garda vehicle. Four gardaí received non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. The three men fled the scene but were later arrested.

Vehicles, trailers and other farm equipment have been recovered during ongoing searches in connection with this gang operation which gardaí say was targeting farms in the midlands and was particularly active between January and June 2016.

A fourth man, AI technician Garret Kirwan, has also been arrested and charged as part of this investigation and is due to appear in Portlaoise District Court at a later date this month.

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