This article is from page 18 of the 2006-07-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A MAN who attempted to steal one car, stole another, and crashed it into three other cars, has been jailed and banned from driving.
Frank Hassett (20), of Drumbiggle Road, Ennis, pleaded guilty to a number of offences arising out of the incident, at Madden’s Terrace, Clarecastle, on October 2, 2005.
The accused also pleaded guilty to a number of public order charges in Ennis, on three separate dates earlier this year.
Ennis District Court was told by an officer from the Probation Service that a community service order of 120 hours – in lieu of six months detention – had been imposed on the accused in July 2004, but that he had not done the work.
Referring to the car theft, Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that gardaí were alerted to an incident at Clarecastle, on October 2.
They went to the scene, where they found a car crashed into a telegraph pole, across from the school.
“A male was walking up the road from the car, acting in a suspicious manner,” said the inspector.
“Another car was interfered with . . . the ignition was pulled out. Mr Hassett attempted to steal it. He attempted to steal one car, stole another and crashed into three cars,” he added.
He said that more than €3,700 damage was caused to the car that the accused attempted to steal, while damage totalling more than €2,000 was caused to the three cars which the stolen car hit.
Defending solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client had an alcohol problem.
“He drinks at home and goes out late at night. He doesn’t really have any social interaction. He goes berserk when he has too much drink taken . . . He gets involved in brawls on the street,” said the solicitor.
The solicitor said his client was prepared to stay in custody at the moment, in the hope that he would get the care that he needed.
“I would ask you to give him some light at the end of the tunnel in relation to getting out and getting treatment,” added Mr Hassett.
Judge Joseph Mangan confirmed the six month term, for failing to carry out community service.
He imposed a six month term, concurrent, for the offence in Clarecastle in October, and banned him from driving for three years.
He imposed two separate twomonth terms, for public order offences, bringing the total sentence to 10 months. He fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.