Burglar allegedly tried to break into homes while children were heading to school, according to court testimony

A car thief caused chaos in a Dublin neighborhood as he sped along the streets, crashed into a signpost, and narrowly avoided hitting pedestrians and schoolchildren on their way to school. Vladislavs Jukums, a 28-year-old man residing in Highfield Crescent, Swords, Co. Dublin, was apprehended on charges of motor theft, two counts of burglary, and criminal destruction that had occurred in the area on May 23. Jukums, a father of one, made an appearance before Judge Catherine Ghent, who granted him bail at €300, contingent on him providing a €100 deposit and securing a €500 independent surety. However, his release was conditional on securing a new address in compliance with the set terms, which included a curfew and a prohibition from returning to Swords. As a result, Jukums was remanded in custody until the following week.
Garda Shane Murphy narrated the events at a contested bail hearing at Dublin District Court, where he recounted responding to reports of a vehicle driving erratically along Applewood estate, Swords, at 7:41 in the morning. Upon arriving at the scene, Garda Murphy observed a 2022 Toyota C-HR speeding with a flat tire. Despite efforts to stop the vehicle by activating his patrol car’s lights and sirens, the Toyota driver, later identified as Jukums, swerved onto the footpath to evade capture. Pedestrians, including young schoolchildren, had to scurry out of the car’s path to avoid being hit. The reckless driving continued, resulting in the car crashing into a signpost at the roundabout where Brackenstown Road ends, further endangering pedestrians in the vicinity. Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been unlawfully taken from Castleview Park, Swords, during a burglary where the owner’s car keys were snatched as she slept in her bedroom.
Subsequently, Jukums was accused of attempting another break-in at a nearby address on Ashton Broc, Swords, where he tried to force his way through the front door using a rock. He then proceeded to make his way to a vehicle nearby where he attempted to shatter the driver’s window with the same rock. Although he managed to gain entry into the house through the back door, no possessions were reported stolen. An address of residence inconsistency arose as the accused was purportedly living at his mother’s house while authorities believed he was residing with his partner in the immediate vicinity of the two burglarized homes.
Concerns were raised regarding Jukums’ future proceedings, given the potential for a prolonged period in custody while awaiting trial if found guilty. The presiding judge granted him legal aid and issued a stern warning to adhere to the conditions of his release, which included signing in at the local garda station, providing contact information, and refraining from contacting any witnesses involved in the case.