Man held over violent gun raid at Irish jewellery store

Nikita Kolesnik, 27, originally from Lithuania and of no fixed address, was arrested on Friday evening at Dublin Airport.

Gardai brought him to Dun Laoghaire station and charged him with three offences.

He is accused of possessing a handgun "with intent to commit robbery," contrary to the Firearms Act.

He has a charge of attempted robbery under the Theft and Fraud Act and assault causing harm to a male member of staff, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

The incident allegedly occurred on June 3, 2017, at Costello Jewellers, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

He was held pending his appearance before Judge Gerard Jones at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Detective Sergeant Daniel Treacy told the court Mr Kolesnik "made no reply to the charges" and that he was handed copies of the charge sheets.

The judge heard that gardai intended to object to bail.

The accused did not address the court.

However, defence counsel Kevin McCrave said his client wished to "reserve his position" and not make a bail application at this stage.

Mr Kolesnik has not yet indicated how he will plead.

Judge Jones remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court on Thursday. Legal aid was granted following an application by counsel.