This article is from page 13 of the 2007-09-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A COUNTY Clare priest has spoken up in court for a young teenager who broke into his home.
Mountshannon parish priest Fr John Jones’s home was broken into and a coinbox stolen, on June 9 last.
A 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty in relation to that – along with eight oth- er charges – at Scariff District Court on Thursday.
The accused, who cannot be named because of his age, is facing nine charges arising out of alleged inci- dents on the border between Galway and Clare.
He is accused of entering a build- ing in Mountshannon in April with the intention of stealing beer and ATER eel ore
He is also charged with stealing a ladies handbag and child’s backpack, at Fossabeg, Scaruff, in June.
He is also accused of possession of an offensive weapon.
Sgt Joe Fallon told the court the ac-
cused replied “guilty” when eight of the charges were put to him, while he replied “not guilty” to the other stb axon
Defending solicitor James Nash told the court his client was pleading
guilty to all charges.
Superintendent Tony Kennelly said there was no parental control and the accused was living in very poor con- Chis Keys tse
Mr Nash said, “It is a good thing that this 1s coming to a head. On one side society needs protection.”
Judge Joseph Mangan said he was seeking a probation report.
Supt Kennelly said he was applying for bail with conditions attached.
Fr Jones then addressed the court and said he has known the accused for a number of years.
“I have always found him very forthright, friendly and respectful. I’d be very hopeful he could be a law abiding citizen,’ said the priest.
Judge Mangan granted bail to the accused, on a number of conditions. He will re-appear in court later this year.