A MAN who is currently on remand in Maghaberry Prison following his arrest after a violent rampage across Fermanagh has had bail refused.

Gediminas Beliukevicius (49), from McCurtain Street, Clones, faces 18 charges, all of which are alleged to have occurred at various times on September 30.

The defendant is accused of three charges of assault on police; two charges each of failing to stop – damage only accident; failing to report – damage only accident; failing to remain – damage only accident; and one charge each of disorderly behaviour, dangerous driving, criminal damage, attempted escape from lawful custody, common assault, failing to stop for police, driving when unfit through drink/drugs and failing to provide a specimen.

The alleged offences took place on the Moorlough Road, Lisnaskea, the Belfast Road and East Bridge Street in Enniskillen.

A police officer told the court they were objecting to bail as they felt there was a risk of reoffending and a possible flight risk.

They also pointed out that an investigation is ongoing into €41,000 that was found on the defendant after his arrest, and that is set to continue for several months.

The officer said Beliukevicius’s behaviour was erratic and unpredictable, and he would pose a significant danger to the public if he was released. 

Beliukevicius’s barrister, Fintan McAleer, asked the officer if it was the case that his client’s driving licence and passport had been seized by police.

The officer could not confirm this; however, Mr. McAleer told the court that was his belief.
Mr. McAleer said they were trying to get a mental health report completed but getting an expert was proving difficult.

District Judge Steven Keown advised Mr. McAleer of solicitors who had been successful in this regard.

Mr. McAleer said his client was a paranoid schizophrenic who was unwell at the time of the offences and pointed out that a report would make things easier in putting forward an argument for bail.

Detained
He also told the court that his client had been detained under the Mental Health Act until the end of April before being released into the prison population, and felt that this pointed to Beliukevicius getting better, as he would not have been discharged if he was unwell.

However, Judge Keown refused bail, saying there was a risk of reoffending, and also that this was until such time as a report could show that Beliukevicius’s mental health could be managed in the community.

The case was adjourned until Monday, June 14.