This article is from page 13 of the 2006-02-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A YOUNG man who stole a car in Ennis, crashed it into a wall a short distance away, “destroying” it in the process.
Christopher Dobbin (22), of John Paul Avenue, Ennis, committed the offence, at Cusack Road, Ennis, on August 21, 2004.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told Ennis District Court that the stolen vehicle was valued at €1,000 and was effectively destroyed in the accident when it hit a wall.
The court heard that Dobbin committed two offences under the Public Order Act, at Fahy’s Lane, Ennis, on November 16, 2003.
He was also convicted of stealing a slab of Heineken, valued at €17.99, from Deasy’s shop in Clarecastle, on July 31 last.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said the three incidents were alcohol-related.
Inspector Tom Kennedy pointed out that the car was crashed into a private wall which had to be repaired, at a cost of €2,200.
Judge Leo Malone convicted Dobbin of drink driving and fined him €250. He banned him from driving for two years. He fined him €200 for driving without insurance.
He adjourned the case of stealing the car for four months, for payment of the cost of the car and repairing the wall.
He said if the compensation was paid, he would impose a fine. If not paid, he would sentence Dobbin to three months in jail.