Man who allegedly stole 70 mobile phones in the Midlands and threatened to burn down store remanded in custody

A defendant accused of the theft of €25,000 worth of mobile phones and two other offences in the Midlands will return before the District Court on August 24.

Solicitor for the defendant said he needed to take instructions from his client before the matter could progress.

The legal representative asked for disclosure of the evidence against the defendant before Mr Quinn could consider what course to take.

Mark Quinn (36) of 24 Brawney Square, Athlone, Westmeath on April 6, at Hera Foods, Golden Island Athlone trespassed to commit the offence of theft, on April 20 23 at Fone Zone, 3 The Bawn, Athlone trespass to commit the offence of stealing seventy mobile phones valued at €25,000 and on April 28 made a threat to burn down Fone Zone.

Sergeant Mark Mahon said the Director of Public Prosecution said the matter could only be dealt with in the District Court on a signed guilty plea, otherwise it would be sent forward to the Circuit Court. The DPP was asking to have Mr Quinn, who appeared by video link, remanded in custody.

Judge Brendan O'Reilly adjourned the matter to August 24, remanding the defendant in custody. The judge directed that Mr Quinn appear by video link on that date and ordered disclosure be made to his solicitor.