This article is from page 4 of the 2012-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
THE widespread targeting of oil for the purposes of theft has been described by a judge as “despicable” and “appalling”.
Judge Patrick Durcan was speaking at Ennis District Court last Wednesday at the case of a Limerick man.
Thomas Kiely (18), with an address at Barnakyle, Patrickswell, Limerick, pleaded guilty to being in possession of a fuel-siphoning pump in Sixmilebridge last year.
The court heard that Kiely and another man were found in possession of a pump, a funnel and four, fivegallon plastic drums that could be used in the cause of or in connection with a theft. Inspector Tom Kennedy said a car was stopped at in the Cappa Lodge area of Sixmilebridge on December 15, 2011. He said the siphon pump was found concealed under the bonnet of the car.
Insp Kennedy explained that Kiely was subsequently arrested and admitted to Gardaí that he was in the process of surveying areas where he might find diesel to siphon.
The court heard that Kiely has no previous convictions.
Solicitor Michael O’Donnell said his client came from a good family and is currently working. Mr O’Donnell said his client had been placed under curfew by his father. “He accepts he was wrong”, he added.
Judge Patrick Durcan noted that the targeting of oil tanks had become “all too common”. He described it as the “most appalling, most mean, despicable type of offence.”
Judge Durcan said the message must go out “loud and clear that you cannot go around with a siphon concealed in the bonnet of a car”.
Judge Durcan added, “He has brought shame on his family for generations to come”.
Noting the accused’s previous good record and his appearance in court, Judge Durcan ordered that Kiely carry out 150 hours of community service in lieu of three months in prison.
He said, “This community work should be served in the rural community that he attempted the defraud.”
Judge Durcan added, “It’s a despicable offence and one that has become much too prevalent”. He adjourned the matter until April 25 for the preparation of a report by the Probation and Welfare Services.