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Dublin man accused of burgling house and damaging car with hatchet sent for trial

Charles Russell (42) is accused of smashing a window pane in a front door of the property

Eimear Cotter

Today at 07:00

A man armed with a hatchet who allegedly burgled a house in west Dublin has been sent forward for trial.

Charles Russell (42) is accused of smashing a window pane in a front door of the property, and with damaging a vehicle which was parked outside a second property.

He was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, of Whitechapel Road, Clonsilla, is charged with possession of a hatchet, aggravated burglary and damaging a front door of a house.

These offences allegedly took place at Lohunda Green in Clonsilla on June 21, 2023.

He is further charged with damaging the windscreen of a Honda Insight car at another property, also at Lohunda Green.

Mr Russell is also facing a charge of criminal trespass at Lohunda Green in Clonsilla on the same date.

A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Russell the formal alibi caution.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Donough Molloy and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Judge McHugh further ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardaí conducted with the accused be provided to his legal team.

Mr Russell has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges.

Judge McHugh remanded him on the same bail, to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a date in February.