Two men refused bail last week on charges of machinery and vehicle theft have brought a High Court challenge to the lawfulness of their detention.
The District Court ruled that Shane McDonagh (28) of Northern Cross, Coolock and Kosovan national Shaquo Laska (28) with an address at Summerhill, Dublin may interfere with witnesses if released.
The men are part of a group of 5 men charged with the theft of an Iveco truck to the value of €6,000, an Alfa Romeo car to the value of €2,000, a mini-digger to the value of €2,000, a motorcycle to the value of €1,000 and cutting and welding equipment to the value of €1,200 in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow on September 10th.
The men were detained as part of an investigation by the Garda Special Detective Unit.
All 5 were refused bail but now 2 of the men, currently in Cloverhill Prison, are to challenge their detention at a High Court hearing this afternoon.
Their barrister, Mark Lynam BL, said one reason the District Court remanded the men in custody was that they may interfere with witnesses.
He said this was 'just an assertion' and was not based on actual evidence.
A third man, Shane McDonagh's brother Edward, was this afternoon granted High Court bail by Mr. Justice Michael Moriarty.
The 29-year-old is to sign on daily at Coolock Garda Station, reside at Old Cottage, Belcamp Lane. Another condition of his bail is that he is not to contact prosecution witnesses.
