This article is from page 15 of the 2006-01-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
A MAN with 27 previous convictions, who stole a mobile phone from a woman’s handbag in a pub in Lahinch, has been jailed for six months.
Father-of-two Thomas McDonagh (37), of 3 Dún na hInse, Claureen, Ennis, was also jailed for one month for engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour, at a Lahinch nightclub.
Sgt Mick Gallery told Ennis District Court a woman was approached by the accused and another individual at the Spinnaker bar in Lahinch on July 10, 2004. At around 1am she noticed her mobile phone was gone.
On the same night the accused went to a disco and was refused entry. He tried to force his way in past the door staff continuously for 30 minutes.
Inspector Tom Kennedy said the accused has 27 previous convictions, mostly for motoring-related matters, while there was a conviction for assault, criminal damage, larceny and public order, in the 1990s.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said in the past five years, her client has not come to the attention of gardai, for assault, theft or public order offences. Ms Godfrey said her client does not recall taking the mobile phone and walking out with it, although he does accept he had it.
She asked Judge Joseph Mangan to give her client the opportunity to continue to build his life.
Judge Mangan imposed a six month sentence for the theft charge and a one month sentence for public order. He fixed recognisances in the event of an appeal.