TWO BROTHERS charged with running a criminal organisation in Galway were yesterday refused free legal aid after a senior detective said they were men “of means”.
Michael and Eddie O’Loughlin appeared before Harristown District Court in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, where they were remanded in custody to appear before the court again on June 26th.
Gardaí objected to either being granted free legal aid.
Det Garda Henry Burke described Eddie O’Loughlin as “a man of means who has property and assets not within the jurisdiction”.
Det Garda Burke said Eddie O’Loughlin had bought a 2005 Toyota Avensis last year for €5,000 cash, and had recently returned from a week abroad. “His lifestyle is not in keeping with a man with limited funds,” he said.
Eddie O’Loughlin (26), Rockfield Park, Rahoon, Galway is charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in Galway between February and June of this year. An application by his solicitor Gearóid Geraghty for free legal aid was refused by Judge Geoffrey Browne.
Michael O’Loughlin (29), Rahylin Glebe, Ballybane, Galway, who faces the same charge, made an application for free legal aid through his solicitor, Seán Acton.
Det Garda Burke said An Garda Síochána was also objecting to this application, as it was their belief he was also “a man of means”. It was believed he, also, had assets outside the jurisdiction, he added.
Judge Browne refused the application for free legal aid for Michael O’Loughlin.