Man in the Midlands charged with €60 fuel theft opts for Circuit Court hearing

A man accused of the theft of just over €60 worth of motor fuel has elected to have the charges against him heard in the Circuit Court.

Martin Stokes (31) of Shell House, Grove House, Mullingar, Westmeath faced charges of theft of goods valued at €60.31 from Kane's Garage, Longford Road, Edgeworthstown.

It's alleged by the prosecution that the offences happened on March 15, 2022.

The defendant indicated he will be pleading not guilty to the charges and elected to have the matter heard in the Circuit Court. He was represented in proceedings by solicitor Frank Gearty.

The District Court deals with criminal matters by way of non-jury trials of minor offences. Generally speaking criminal matters that come before the Circuit Court are what are called “indictable” or serious offences with the exception of murder, rape, aggravated sexual assault, treason and piracy.

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For the most part criminal trials in the Circuit Criminal Court will be heard by a judge and jury although an accused can plead guilty and dispense with a trial. Anyone can opt to have their case heard in the Circuit Court, however the penalties if convicted are much higher than in the District Court.

Judge Bernadette Owens remanded the defendant on continuing bail to June 23 to allow time for the Director of Public Prosecution to give consent to have the matter sent forward for trial.