This article is from page 19 of the 2012-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 19 JPG
A WOMAN “feared for her life” when she caused € 800 worth of damage to a car in Ennis, a court has heard.
At Ennis District Court on Tuesday, Caroline Nolan (38) with an address at 9 Gus Murphy’s Flats, Mill Road, Ennis and 5 Lios na Rí Oranmore, Co Galway pleaded guilty to charges of theft and criminal damage.
The court heard that Gardaí received a report on February 27 (2012) that both the front and rear windscreen had been damaged on the Mill Road, Ennis.
Solicitor John Casey explained that her client had believed that the car belonged to another person.
He said that on the night in question, Nolan had been chased by a person carrying a knife.
He said, “She thought the car belonged to him. She was in fear of her life”.
Garda Michael Daniels, who gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution, acknowledged that the accused had feared for her life. He said the damage caused to the car amounted to € 812 euros.
Nolan also pleaded guilty to stealing a full keg of Tuborg Beer from Considine’s Bar, Parnell Street, Ennis on March 20 (2011). The keg was valued at € 110. The court heard that Gardaí found Nolan rolling the keg along the street.
Mr Casey said his client had been homeless at the time and could only sleep by drinking alcohol. “It was a foolish thing to do”, he added.
He said that drink was an escape for his client and that while she has made positive strides in addressing her problems, “she still battles with drink”.
He told the court that an involvement with the probation and welfare services would be of benefit to her. Mr Casey said Nolan, who is in receipt of social welfare, would need “considerable time” to pay back the cost of damage to the car. The court was told that the accused has two previous convictions including a fine imposed for cruelty to children.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy ordered the preparation of a report by the probation and welfare services. He remanded Nolan on continuing bail to appear again in court on May 2. He fixed bail at 200 euros.