Letterkenny man in custody for alleged thefts granted bail - Donegal News

Algerian bailed in Letterkenny court for theft

AN ALGERIAN national in prison custody, charged with a series of thefts appeared before Letterkenny District Court on Monday for a bail hearing.

Mohammed Gaouaoui (40) of Ashfield, Carnamuggagh Upper, Letterkenny had an interpreter at the court sitting to translate for him.

Gaouaoui sat in the dock as Garda Greene of Letterkenny gave evidence of the charges to the court .

Garda Greene said that Gaouaoui was charged with removing a purse from a car parked at Aldi, Gortlee, Letterkenny, on May 19, 2026.

The injured party, an older lady is alleged to have lost £42 and some cards, the court heard.

On the same date Gaouaoui was alleged to have stolen from a MACE shop in Kilmacrennan.

The court heard that on June 25, 2026, the defendant had attempted to carry out a theft at the premises of Donegal Motorhomes at Loughnagin, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny.

On May 27, 2026, Gaouaoui was found to be in possession of drugs at his address in Ashfield, Carnamuggagh. After a section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 search was carried out, the court was told that Gaouaoui was in possession of three cannabis joints worth €30, and a cannabis grinder.

Sergeant Jim Collins said that the defendant had a history of failure to appear on bail warrants. Garda Greene added that Gardaí were worried Gaouaoui would re-offend whilst on bail.

Defending solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian, appearing on this custody matter during the legal aid dispute, said that the value of the property actually lost was €42. He added that on other occasions there was no actual loss, and the drugs offence was relatively minor with a street value of €30.

Mr Dorrian said that the seriousness of the offences was “not exactly The French Connection”. Mr Dorrian added that there was a case for bail with time constraints.

Judge Emile Daly said the defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence and “therefore a presumption in favour of bail”.

Judge Daly listed the bail conditions as an order to stay away from Letterkenny Town Park and Donegal Motorhomes in Loughnagin, not to re-offend, to be contactable by mobile at all times, and to sign on once a week at Letterkenny Garda station on Saturdays.

The case was put back to September 17 to link with other matters, and an application was made for legal aid in favour of Mr Frank Dorrian.

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