A Romanian man, currently in custody accused of robbing a man who was later found dead in Derry city centre, has failed in a bid to be released on bail.
Costica Munteanu (19), with an address at Maplewood Lawn, Tallaght, Dublin, is accused of stealing a wallet belonging to Conall Kerrigan (pictured), the 28-year-old Claudy man who was found dead after he is believed to have fallen from the city’s walls on 23 August last year.
Munteanu, who is also accused of stealing two iPhones belonging to two women in the city the previous day, has been in custody since he first appeared in court on 8 February last charged with the offences.
Speaking during a bail application at Derry Magistrates Court today, Eoghan Devlin, defence counsel for Munteanu, described the robbery as a “pick pocketing style incident” that did not involve any acts of violence.
Mr Devlin said at present the charge was robbery but it “would seem likely” it would be changed to a “theft charge.”
He added: "Your worship will be aware that in the aftermath of this matter, the victim of the alleged robbery died."
Mr Devlin told the court a bail address had been put forward but it was a family address in the Republic of Ireland.
The court heard Munteanu's family, although “not wealthy,” had gathered a cash surety of £1,500.
Mr Devlin said the accused was not known to police in Northern Ireland, adding Monteanu had made full admissions and had been in prison since February 8.
Objecting to bail, a PSNI detective sergeant told the court Munteanu was a “flight risk” and he was “uncomfortable” with him being bailed to an address outside “this jurisdiction.”
He told the court another man police sought in relation to the case had fled the country for Romania.
He added it was also the belief of police that Munteanu was part of an “organised crime gang” that frequented Derry and Belfast targeting people who were intoxicated to steal from them and “pick-pocket.”
District Judge Barney McElholm refused bail stating the surety of £1,500 was not sufficient to deter a flight risk and he could not impose bail conditions to a Dublin address.
He said: “I therefore consider the risk of flight so serious bail is refused.”
Munteanu will appear before Derry Magistrates Court on March 31 via video link.
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