This article is from page 2 of the 2006-03-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A MAN who gardaí say went on a 10day crime spree has been remanded in custody after a court heard a fear that he would re-offend if granted bail.
Patrick McNamara (29), from Miltown Malbay and with an address at Lisdeen, Kilkee and also of no fixed abode, appeared before Kilrush District Court, facing five charges.
He pleaded guilty to trespass, at Kilkee Bay Apartments, on March 21 last; trespass at Cunningham’s caravan park, Kilkee in January; and with entering Matt Lernihan’s garage as a trespasser and stealing €36 of petrol at Cree, Kilkee, on March 17 last.
He also admitted driving without insurance at Ennis Road, Kilrush, on March 19.
Detective Garda Michael McDonagh said the accused broke into an apartment at Kilkee Bay Apartments on Saturday, March 18 last and made it his own to live in.
In January, McNamara entered a mobile home at Cunningham’s caravan park and made it a place of abode.
He forced open a lock on a door at Lernihan’s garage in Cree, turned on the mains for petrol and filled the car with €36 of petrol before leaving the scene, on March 17.
The court was told McNamara had 25 previous convictions, including convictions for deception and false pretences and several for motoring offences.
Det McDonagh said the accused was “on a serious crime spree.”
“I believe Mr McNamara has serious problems, one of the most serious problems of any individual I have come across. Something is amiss there . . . he admits his crimes and then goes out and commits more crime,” said the garda, who added that “more serious charges” would be brought against him.
“He is living off his wits and in relation to the people of west Clare, he is committing crime after crime,” he added.
“I do believe the way he is at the moment, he will re-offend.”
“He has kept us very busy for the last 10 days in Kilrush. It is one thing after another. If he goes out again he will re-offend. There is no doubt in my mind,” he said.
His solicitor, John Ryan, said this case centred on a housing need. He said his client has made efforts to secure accommodation in west Clare.
Judge Joseph Mangan remanded him in custody to appear again in court later this week for various reports on him to be heard.