Pensioner arrested at Dublin Airport over fake passport claims

Tom Tuite

A pensioner stopped at Dublin Airport heading on a one-way trip to Glasgow, has been accused of having a fake passport and providing false information to obtain travel documents.

Gaoimhreadhan O Coileain, aged 75, of Duiche Roden, Dundalk, Co Louth, appeared at Dublin District Court on Friday, where bail was set at €3,000 by Judge Michael Ramsey.

Following an investigation by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), he was charged with three offences under the Passport Act: possessing a false passport at Gate 188, Dublin Airport, on March 5th, and two counts of providing false information in passport applications in 2023 and 2017.

Detective Garda Padraig Hanley said the accused's reply to the charge was: "I am guilty of these three offences; I wish to clear them up as quickly as possible since I thought that the last two were already dealt with in 2023. My memory is not good. But if I have adequate consultation with my solicitor, I am sure I can be of further assistance."

Objecting to bail, the NBCI detective alleged that the accused was caught "red-handed"with a false passport and was in the process of leaving the country.

The detective considered him to be a flight risk, saying the accused had a one-way ticket to Glasgow and was travelling with hand luggage only. It was alleged that gardaí searched his home and seized evidence about other passports.

The detective believed the accused was in possession or control of another fake Irish passport, that he refused to reveal where it was, and that he had four phones.

Defence counsel Eimear Dooley said her client had severe health problems and had indicated he would plead guilty, having made full admissions.

The detective said the man was seen by a doctor in garda custody and agreed the pensioner had medical issues, but not all the diagnoses the accused claimed.

Ms Dooley also said her client was going to Glasgow for one day only and was seeking bail.

He has yet to formally enter a plea because directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions were pending. Judge Ramsey set bail with conditions and held him in custody until the money had been lodged.

The defence barrister said her client, who lived in sheltered accommodation, had the €3,000 required.

On taking up bail, the accused must sign on three days a week at his local garda station, be contactable by phone, surrender his passport, not apply for travel documents, and remain away from all airports in the jurisdiction.

He is scheduled to appear again on March 12th.

Legal aid was granted, along with an order for medical attention in custody.