Bail refused for Enniskillen man branded ‘a menace’ by judge

The man is facing charges of burglary, common assault and disorderly behaviour relating to an incident on December 24 last in Lisnaskea.

On Sunday, December 30, police went to carry out a bail check on Brian Francis Paul Corrigan (37), of Derrylin Road, Enniskillen.

However, Corrigan was not at the house, and his father told police he did not know where he was.

Police then received a call from the sister of the injured party, saying Corrigan was at an address in Trasna Way, Lisnaskea, where he was subsequently located in the property’s living room and arrested.

Complaint

A police officer told the court that it was alleged Corrigan had contacted the injured party and offered £1,000 to her if she withdrew her complaint.

Police opposed releasing Corrigan on bail again, due to his lack of adherence to bail conditions, pointing out he had nine breaches of bail.

The officer also informed the court of an incident in 2014 when Corrigan was the driver of a car which crashed and led to a passenger sustaining injuries, after which Corrigan moved to Australia, which showed he not capable of adhering to bail conditions.

The officer also said he had spoken to the injured party who spoke of the chances Corrigan has had on bail, and that he was “freaking me out”.

Police confirmed to Garry Smyth, solicitor for Corrigan, that no new charges were laid as a result of the breach, while Mr. Smyth said he was alive to the difficulty of making a bail application for Corrigan.

He said his client had been having issues with his health and depression, of late, and made the “foolish decision” to go to Lisnaskea and speak to the sister of the injured party, who he regarded as a friend. 

In refusing bail, District Judge Steven Keown said Corrigan was a menace, as shown by his criminal record, and a “complete liability” as shown by his inability to abide by his bail conditions.

Corrigan was remanded in custody until his next hearing on February 7.