Man charged with attempted abduction further remanded

A 20-year-old man charged in connection with the attempted abduction of a pensioner in her late 60s in Dublin has been further remanded in custody.

A psychological assessment was sought and a bail application has been deferred.

Gardaí commenced an investigation following reports of an attempted abduction of the woman, 69, by allegedly forcing her into the boot of a car, on the morning of 6 January, at Blackhorse Avenue, Dublin 7.

Martin Gallagher with an address at Rusheeney Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin 15, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

He made no bail application when he was brought before Dublin District Court on 9 January last.

Detective Garda Paul Kirwan had said at that hearing that the man made no reply when he was charged with assault causing harm to the woman and false imprisonment.

Defence solicitor Michael Kelleher had said his client had been anxious to make the response: "I'm sorry it was a joke that went wrong."

The accused faced his third hearing, when he appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court today.

He was further remanded in custody for four weeks and will appear again on 12 March next.

Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions need to be obtained. Gardaí are to be given 48 hours' advance notice of an intention to make a bail application.

A psychological assessment was organised and the report will be part of the bail application, his solicitor has told the court.