This article is from page 15 of the 2005-11-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
AN ENNIS man who held an elderly woman and a 23-year-old girl at knifepoint before rob- bing them, in separate incidents, did so because he was on heroin, Ennis Circuit Court has been told. Robbie Nestor (25), with an address at Tulla Road, Ennis, and formerly of Hermitage, Ennis, pleaded guilty to two charges of robbery in En- nis in September 2004.
Det Gda Jarlath Fahy told the court that a 75-
year-old woman was sitting in her car in the car- park of the VEC building in Ennis, on Septem- ber 16 when she was approached by the accused. He produced a knife and said he wanted her bag. She handed it over and he left the scene with the bag and its contents, which included €600.
Ten days later, the accused was buying match- es in Liddy’s Gala in Ennis. He held a knife to the 23-year-old shop assistant and held her by the shirt, before getting away with more than €500 in cash.
When asked about the circumstances which led to the robberies, Dt Gda Fahy replied, “the fact that he was on drugs.” He said Nestor has 21 previous convictions.
Defending barrister Mark Nicholas said his client’s real problem is his addiction to drugs.
“If he takes drugs, that seems to be it. He gets into trouble and commits crime,’ replied the garda.
“TI think this was hardly the work of a pre- planned criminal brain,” said the barrister.
Judge Carroll Moran pointed out that Gda Fahy had been extremely fair to the accused.
‘This was a despicable crime, particularly tar- geting a 75-year-old lady,” said the judge.
“Garda Fahy is of the view, if this man stays off the drugs he will not get into trouble. Let’s put it to the test,” he added.
He said he would adjourn the case for 12 months and will impose a three or four year sentence then. He may consider suspending the sentence, he said.