Five people arrested as part of an investigation into the false imprisonment of a number of people in County Meath have appeared in court.

At a special sitting of Trim District Court yesterday evening, four of the accused - each of Castletown Kilpatrick, Navan - were charged with the alleged theft of cash which was the property of Ghiocal Barcu at AIB, Market Square, Navan between 11th and 18th of August this year.

A fifth person - also of Castletown Kilpatrick, Navan - was charged with the alleged theft of a Visa debit card in the name of Ghiocal Barcu at Stephenstown, Castletown between 24th January and 18th August this year.

Superintendant Michael Devine objected to bail in a number of cases.

Judge Gerard Furlong granted all five free legal aid.

Some of them were remanded in custody to appear at Cloverhill Court next Friday while others were remanded to the Criminal Courts of Justice, also to appear next Friday.