This article is from page 16 of the 2013-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A WEST Clare man has received a six-month prison sentence after he was convicted of handling a number of stolen items including telescopes and a butter churn.
In sentencing Francis Talty, Judge Patrick Durcan said that while the 23-year-old had not stolen the property, he had benefitted from the goods being taken.
Mr Talty, with an address at Clohen Beg, Cree, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property at Clohen Beg, Cree on October 5 (2012).
The court heard that the items – one brass telescope; one blue telescope; wooden clock radio; wooden pram and doll; one brass horn; weather clock; Hi Fi system; gas lamp; microwave and a butter churn – were stolen from a holiday home in North Clare between August 30 and November 2 (2012). Mr Talty was not charged with the original theft.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that gardaí discovered the items when they visited Mr Talty’s home on a different matter on October 5. Mr Talty subsequently told gardaí that the items were stolen but that he did not steal them. Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett described Mr Talty as a bright student who had considered studying law in college. He said Mr Talty had become involved in drugs and had developed an addiction.
Mr Hassett told the court that Mr Talty has stopped taking drugs and is “very embarrassed” by his actions.
He said the “extraordinary list” of household items found in the house would have been of little value to his client.
Insp Kennedy disputed this, saying the property had value. He said Mr Talty, who has previous convictions, has a “very bad record.”
Judge Durcan said Mr Talty, unlike many who come before the court, had had opportunities in his life.
He said the accused comes from a part of Clare where thefts have become frequent.
He said that while Mr Talty seemed remorseful and intelligent, “he had committed a very serious crime.”
He imposed a six-month prison sentence. Recogances were fixed in the event of an appeal. Mr Talty also pleaded guilty to committing criminal damage at a house on Flag Road, Miltown Malbay on January 1 (2013). Judge Durcan took the offence into consideration when passing sentence.