This article is from page 13 of the 2007-09-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
GARDAI have expressed concern that “more and more” people are found in possession of implements – after a man claimed he found a knife and picked it up as he thought it would “come in handy” in his toolbox.
Dublin native Ben Sheehy (20), of Clancy Park, Ennis, was convicted of possession of a knife at Dalcassian Park, Ennis, at 2.30am on August 22 last.
Garda Dominic Regan told En- nis district court on Friday that the accused was seen stumbling from side to side on the street anda knife – used for cutting paper – was found on him.
Defending solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client – an apprentice aircraft mechanic – found the knife.
“He thought it would come in handy. He was going to put it in his toolbox,” she said.
The knife was produced in court and Judge Joseph Mangan said, “You would need more than that if you were confronting the German army.’ Inspector Tom Kennedy re- plied, “This was 2.30 in the morning. We’re finding people more and more in possession of such articles.
“It’s a very different situation when you are here on a Friday afternoon in a different atmosphere, but finding people with these things at 2.30 in the morning is a very different mat- ome
Judge Mangan jailed Sheehy for a month and suspended it on condition that he keep the peace for one year.
He was also convicted of a public order offence and fined €500.