Garda opposes bail for man on `Grand Canal' murders charge

A garda sergeant said yesterday he was "strenously opposed" to a bail application from a man charged with the murder of two men…

A garda sergeant said yesterday he was "strenously opposed" to a bail application from a man charged with the murder of two men whose bodies were found in the Grand Canal near Celbridge, Co Kildare, in January last year.

Mr Justice Kelly will rule today on the application by Mr Mark Desmond, formerly of Lally Road, Ballyfermot, who is being held at Cloverhill Prison. He is charged with the murders of Mr Patrick Murray (19), of Colepark Drive, Ballyfermot and Mr Darren Carey (20), of Islandbridge Court, Kilmainham, Dublin.

The court was told both men were shot in the head.

In evidence yesterday, Mr Desmond said he had been "stitched up" by gardai and was pleading not guilty to the murders.

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Garda Sgt Ashley O'Sullivan, of Ballyfermot Garda Station, said he was strenously opposing bail because of the seriousness of the charges and the nature and weight of the evidence.