This article is from page 6 of the 2014-10-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
TWO cousins have pleaded guilty to having a fuel siphon pump for the purposes of theft in Ennis.
Shane McCarthy (19) and Patrick McCarthy (18) were passengers in a car stopped by gardaí in the Shanaway Road area of Ennis at 12. 50pm on October 16.
Detective Garda Stephen Hession told the court a siphoning pump and two plastic drums containing traces of diesel were found in the car.
Det Hession said the pair told gardaí they “had been out for a spin around looking for diesel”.
The court heard Patrick McCarthy told gardaí that they would have sto- len diesel from a truck parked at the side of the road.
Det Hession said it was accepted the pair did not intend to steal home heating oil.
He told the court there was full cooperation with gardaí.
Shane McCarthy, with an address at Shalee Drive, Ennis, Patrick McCarthy, with an address at Westbourne, Watery Road, both admitted a charge of having possession of a siphoning pump and two plastic drums for the purposes of theft at Shanaway Road, Ennis, on October 16. Both teenagers elected to have their cases heard in the district court.
The court heard Shane McCarthy committed the offence while on bail. Judge Patrick Durcan adjourned sentencing of Shane McCarthy as the 19 year-old is currently the subject of a suspended sentence.
That earlier sentence must be considered before Mr McCarthy can be sentenced for this current offence.
Judge Durcan refused a bail application for Shane McCarthy and adjourned sentencing to November 5.
The court heard Patrick McCarthy has no previous convictions.
His solicitor John Casey told the court his client accepted responsibility for the offence at an early stage and maturely dealt with the case by entering an early guilty plea.
Mr Casey said his client engaged in the offence in order to repay a debt. He said Mr McCarthy would not have made any money from the offence.
He said Patrick McCarthy would benef t from an involvement with the Probation Services.
Judge Patrick Durcan noted the accused’s good record and his cooperation with gardaí.
But of the crime he said, “This is a despicable type of activity.”
Inspector Tom Kennedy said the theft of diesel is a “scourge” and an increasing challenge for gardaí. Judge Durcan ordered Patrick McCarthy to carry out 120 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison.
The Probation Services later approved Mr McCarthy for community service.