This article is from page 19 of the 2010-01-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
A WEST Clare man has become a “soft target for unscrupulous people” and is easily manipulated, his solici- Koym erm Ke) (em meeltiae
The comments, from solicitor Eu- gene O’Kelly, came in the case of Gerard Meade, (20), of Milford, Mil- town Malbay.
He admitted passing as genuine a counterfeit €50 note at Cullinan’s bar, Church Street, Ennistymon, on August 10, 2009. He also admitted entering a barber’s shop in Miltown Malbay as a trespasser and commit- WTercam a etod Am
Ennistymon District Court heard that that the accused went into Cull- inan’s bar and ordered a vodka and blackcurrant. He handed over a €50 note and received change. He drank it and left the premises immediately.
Defending solicitor Eugene O’ Kelly said his client “1s of such disposition that he is easily manipulated.”
“*T believe he was subjected to such manipulation by people unknown to me. I believe he is a soft target for unscrupulous people,” he said. He said the publican was only at the loss of €10.
Meade was also convicted of driv- ing without insurance in Lahinch. Mr O’ Kelly said, “The reality of the situation is it doesn’t appear to sink in with him he was driving while dis- qualified.”
Judge Joseph Mangan imposed a one-month detention term and dis- qualified Meade from driving for six years. He fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.