This article is from page 74 of the 2008-11-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 74 JPG
A MAN WHO snatched a ‘defence- less’ 81-year-old woman’s handbag and knocked her to the ground has been handed a five-year jail term. However the sentence will not come into effect 1f the accused succeeds in staying away from heroin, to which he had been addicted at the time of the attack.
Jonathon O’Donoghue (28), of Beech Grove Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, pleaded guilty to robbing the woman of her handbag and €450, at Avoca handweavers, Bunratty, on October 31, 2005. He also admitted assaulting her.
Ennis Circuit Court heard that the woman was confined to bed for al- most two months after the ordeal she endured.
In imposing sentence, Judge Ger- ard Griffin told the defendant he chose a “defenceless elderly woman” to rob, to feed his heroin habit.
“The weakest victim you could find,” remarked the judge. “You de- prived her, by your actions, of her independence, as she was confined to bed for two months after,’ he AYO Ce(oxen
However he said he had taken into account the very positive report from Slainte and the fact that O’ Donoghue had inspired other young adults on
the road to recovery.
He said the appropriate sentence was five years, which he suspended in its entirety, on condition that the accused remain drug-free for five years.
“You have made great progress in your rehabilitation and I wish you oN DOME HO TAL
“T want to warn you if you are tried and convicted from this day on, or if you don’t remain drug free, I will impose a five year sentence,” he con- Wb OLeCoee
“You are getting a chance. You de- serve a chance in the circumstances. Don’t let it slip,’ Judge Griffin add- ek