Brother and sister accused of pulling gun on elderly pair

A BROTHER and sister have been charged with aggravated burglary after allegedly pulling a gun on a 90-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman in their homes on Sunday. Liam and Gemma Deegan, of no fixed address in Dublin, were both refused bail by Judge Denis McLoughlin at Virginia District Court in Co. Cavan yesterday.

Liam, 27, and Gemma, 33, are charged with two counts of aggravated burglary in Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan. It’s alleged they entered the home of an 83-year-old woman, threatened her with a gun and made off with jewellery and cash.

They are also accused of entering the home of a 90-year-old man minutes later, threatening him and taking cash. The court heard the elderly man was still being treated in hospital yesterday.

Garda Jerome Crawford said he believed Liam Deegan entered the homes of the two elderly people and that he assaulted the 90-year-old man, though he has not been charged with assault.

It was also stated that Liam Deegan had rammed two Garda cars before being arrested and brought to Bailieborough Garda Station.

The court heard gardaí believe a firearm was used in the burglaries though it has not yet been located.

Garda Crawford told the hearing he believes Liam Deegan knows where the gun used in the alleged attacks is located, but won’t say.

Liam Deegan was remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court this Friday, while his older sister Gemma was remanded in custody to appear at Cavan District Court, also this Friday.