Man ordered to stay away from Mayo accommodation centre after garda obstruction charge

A Ballycastle man has been ordered to stay away from ‘Burke's Accommodation’ in the north Mayo town after he was charged with driving without insurance, driving without a licence and wilfully obstructing a garda.

Alex Keane (35), with an address at Heathfield Lodge, Ballycastle, appeared before Castlebar District Court in relation to three alleged offences which occurred on Main Street, Ballycastle, on Tuesday, July 14.

Garda Michael McGrath of Killala Station charged the accused at Ballina Garda Station at 1.57 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15.

When the charges were read to him, Keane replied: "That tractor is insured," "You're a f**king liar" and "I wasn't leaving another one to be burned."

Keane appeared in custody before Castlebar District Court and told the judge he did not understand what he was charged with.

He had no legal representation, as solicitors in Mayo have withdrawn from criminal cases due to the nationwide criminal legal aid dispute.

Gardaí did not object to Keane being granted bail once it was subject to strict conditions.

Keane said he had no objection to any bail conditions, telling the court he has children and a farm with livestock to be looked after.

Judge Michael Connellan granted bail on condition that Keane stay away from and have no communication with staff at Burke's of Ballycastle, an accommodation centre in the town’s main street.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport, abide by a curfew and sign on at Ballina Garda Station three times a week.

His wife was accepted as an independent surety after presenting €1,000 cash to the court.

"You need to keep your head down and stay out of any trouble," Judge Connellan warned, before remanding Keane to appear before Ballina District Court on October 13.

* Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.