No bail for ‘ghost in jurisdiction’ found near stolen SUV with key

A man found near a stolen SUV in Shannon and allegedly in unlawful possession of a vehicle diagnostic unit was “somewhat of a ghost in this jurisdiction”, a court has heard.

Michal Grzegorek (31), of no fixed abode, was arrested in Shannon in August in close proximity to a stolen Range Rover, Ennis district court heard.

Opposing Grzegorek’s application to be released on bail, Garda Robert Grant, of Shannon Garda station, said the accused was located approximately 500 metres from the vehicle in Shannon on August 25.

Garda Grant said Grzegorek could not account for his movements on the night nor his proximity to the vehicle. The garda said Grzegorek was searched and is alleged to have had in his possession, a Range Rover key and a diagnostic key for vehicles.

Grzegorek is charged that at Shannon garda station Tullyvarraga, Shannon on August 25, when not at his place of residence, he possessed a Range Rover key and an on-board diagnostic connector unit with the intention that it be used in connection with an offence under section 112 of the road traffic act, which relates to the unlawful taking of a vehicle.

The single charge against Grzegorek is contrary to section 15 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act. The director of public prosecutions (DPP) has directed trial on indictment in Ennis circuit court.

Garda Grant said the accused had been living in Ireland for eight to 10 months but was unable to provide gardaí with an address

Garda Grant said the accused has no PPS number, has no family in Ireland and no other link to the jurisdiction. He said he had concerns Grzegorek would be a flight risk.

In reply to questions from Sergeant Aiden Lonergan about potential bail conditions, Garda Grant said gardaí would seek an independent surety, to be approved, of €10,000.

Grzegorek would also be required to reside within the jurisdiction at an approved address, give an undertaking not to apply for travel documents and sign on daily at a gardaí station.

Solicitor Stiofán Fitzpatrick told the court his client has been in custody since August 29 and has not been charged with the theft of a vehicle.

Mr Fitzpatrick said the state were “joining the dots” in the case in order to make a more valid objection to bail.

In reply, Garda Grant said Grzegorek had not complied with gardaí and his “accounts of his movements are very vague”.

Mr Fitzpatrick said his client instructs that he had been living with friends since coming to Ireland to look for work.

Mr Fitzpatrick said Grzegorek did not disclose the address because he did not want to bring the guards to his friend’s door.

Judge Mary Larkin asked Mr Fitzpatrick, “Where is his stuff? Where are his clothes? Where did he leave his documents?”

“It’s obvious you can’t come here for 10 months and live without stuff”, the judge added.

Judge Larkin also asked what a diagnostic unit is, where you buy it and how much it would cost.

Sergeant Aiden Lonergan said that would ultimately be a matter for the trial and that he was not an expert in the area.

Sergeant Lonergan said he understood the unit is a form of specialised equipment that could be used to interface with vehicles.

“You would not buy it in Argos judge”, he added.

Mr Fitzpatrick said he had been in contact with the accused’s brother in Poland and he is willing to pay for accommodation for the accused to reside at.

Objecting to bail, Sergeant Lonergan said the accused has no address, no contact details, no PPS number and no other links to Ireland.

He said, “This defendant is somewhat of a ghost in this jurisdiction”.

Judge Larkin refused bail and remanded Michal Grzegorek in custody to appear again in court on October 19 for service of the book of evidence.