A man accused of stealing over €400 and sticking it in his underpants has been remanded in custody after bail was refused.
Michael Rapple (50) is accused of the theft of €475 in cash from the Spar store on the Rockville Road in Blackrock, Dublin on Monday afternoon.
The court heard that the accused was detained by a Detective Garda who allegedly witnessed him attempting to conceal the cash by “stuffing it into his underpants”.
The accused, of Kilcross Drive in Sandyford, south Dublin, appeared before an evening sitting of Dublin’s District Court yesterday.
The court heard that a man dressed in black entered the store and brandished a “nine-inch” blade — before threatening staff.
The accused is alleged to have “demanded” the cash and to have fled the scene on a bicycle.
Mr Rapple is charged with robbery under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice Act — an offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution, Detective Garda Liam McGee of Blackrock Garda Station said the accused made “no reply” when charged at 2.38pm yesterday.
Gardai were alerted to the scene by a panic alarm, the court heard.
Detective Garda McGee then told the court that he was patrolling the area when he saw a man running and holding what appeared to be “cash in one hand” and a “package in the other”.
Det Garda McGee said he identified himself to the man and the accused then “attempted to conceal” what he was holding by “stuffing it into his underpants”.
The Det Garda told the court that the accused allegedly told him that the cash was money he had earned “from selling drugs”.
The accused is alleged to have had in his possession a quantity of cannabis and tablets.
The money seized at the scene came to the value of €415 — while a further €60 was found outside the front of the Spar shop having allegedly been dropped by the accused.
Mr Rapple was arrested at the scene and taken to Blackrock Garda Station, where he was questioned.
The court heard that following further enquiries gardai recovered “high quality” CCTV footage that allegedly showed the “partially visible” face of the accused.
The suspect is seen getting off a bicycle and entering the store with a knife. The suspect then leaves the scene on the same bicycle.
The court later heard that the alleged bicycle belongs to the accused’s “partner’s daughter”.
A Garda search of the Rockfield Park area uncovered a bicycle and a black top and black bottoms in close proximity.
A knife was also located, the court heard.
Gardai obtained a search warrant and discovered a block for storing 15 knives — one of which they said was missing.
Officers allege the knife recovered is the missing knife, the court heard.
Objecting to bail, the Detective Garda alleged that the accused was “caught red-handed” with the money in his possession.
The court further heard that cannabis and 18 tablets were found on his possession — which have to be analysed.
A solicitor for Mr Rapple said his client was willing to adhere to “any conditions” that would satisfy gardai — and was willing to sign on twice a day if necessary.
The presiding judge stated that she would not be granting bail.
The accused was remanded into custody to appear before a sitting of Cloverhill District Court next month.
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