This article is from page 23 of the 2012-02-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A 19-YEAR-OLD “troubled young man” has been told to pay compensation to the owners of two damaged cars or face jail.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy issued the warning at Ennis District Court on Wednesday at the case of William Casey.
Casey, (19) with an address at O’Briensbridge, pleaded guilty to causing € 700 worth of damage to a car at the Oakwood Arms, Shannon, on May 19, 2011.
He also pleaded guilty to stealing a radio and causing damage to a car at Air Atlanta, Shannon Industrial Estate on June 6, 2011.
Casey also appeared in court charged with committing a series of “drive-offs” at petrol stations in Bunratty and Shannon in March and April last year.
Casey was charged with dishonestly making off without paying for petrol having obtained petrol at Bunratty Station (15/3/11 and 11/4/11) and Topaz Petrol Station, Bothar Mor, Shannon (7/3/11 and 10/4/11).
According to court documents, the total value of the petrol obtained in the four incidents came to € 199. The court heard that Casey had repaid money to both garages in respect of the drive-offs. Solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court that his client is a “troubled young man” who lost both his parents at an early age. He said Casey is now living with two very loyal and loving foster parents. He said his client had committed the offences to earn “kudos” from a group of older, negative influences.
Mr Hassett said the drive-offs had been carried out with no level of sophistication and had been done to impress an older group of people. He told the court that his client is currently taking a number of courses, including stone carving and glass making. He added that Casey had achieved a black belt in Taekwondo and has joined a boxing club in O’Briensbridge. He said his client had started to save money to repay the car owners.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy ordered that Casey pay compensation totaling € 900 arising out of the damage caused to the two cars.
He said, “I’m giving him one month and if he hasn’t paid the full amount, he’s going to prison.”
He remanded Casey on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on March 28 for payment of compensation.