'How can I sort my life out if I keep getting remanded in custody,' accused asks judge

A MAN facing charges of travelling as a passenger in a stolen car allegedly involved in ramming garda cars last November complained to a judge who remanded him in custody on the charges.

“I am trying to sort my life out. How can I sort my life out if I keep getting remanded in custody,” the 26-year-old complained at Cork District Court when he appeared by video link from prison.

Frank Buttimer asked on behalf of defendant, Tony Caulfield of 221, Cathedral Road, Cork, to have the next adjournment made peremptory against the state. 

Judge Mary Dorgan refused that and said to the accused: “Your solicitor has put an application in a very cogent way. We will ask the state to deal with it as expeditiously as possible.”

When Mr Buttimer referred again to the possibility of making the further adjournment to February 6 peremptory against the state, Judge Dorgan said: “It would be totally inappropriate.”

Mr Caulfield spoke up again on the video link from prison to Cork District Court: “It would not be inappropriate, your honour.”

Sergeant Gearóid Davis applied to have the case adjourned to February 6 so directions could be obtained from the DPP.

Mr Caulfield faces a number of charges. 

He is accused that on November 3, 2023, he allowed himself to be carried in a stolen car at Old Mallow Road, Cork. He faces a similar charge in respect of Great William O’Brien Street on November 10. He is charged with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car at Great William O’Brien Street, Cork, later that week. And finally, on November 15 he is charged with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen car at Dublin Street, Blackpool, Cork, and having a weapon at the time.

The charges were brought against him by Detective Garda Rory Fogarty. Mr Buttimer said Mr Caulfield would not consent to any more than the two-week custody remand to February 6.