This article is from page 2 of the 2012-04-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
TWO men have apologised for their actions following scenes of “bedlam” outside a courtroom in Ennis last week.
Thomas Molloy (20) and Darren Maughan (20) were detained in holding cells at Ennis Courthouse for three hours on Wednesday after being held in contempt of court by Judge Patrick Durcan.
The court heard that both men became involved in a noisy altercation outside the courtroom as Judge Durcan presided over court business.
Following instructions from Judge Durcan, both men were brought back into the court.
He told them that he was holding them both in contempt. The two men were brought back before the court shortly after 2pm.
Referring to the manner in which the earlier incident had impacted on court business, Judge Durcan said, “It was impossible here because of the bedlam outside.”
He said the matter could be satisfactorily dealt with if both men apologised to all services involved in court business.
Thomas Molloy, with an address at 39 Park Avenue, Clon Road, Ennis said, “It should not have happened. I apologise to everyone.”
Darren Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, said, “I apologise for the incident this morning. It won’t happen again.”
Both Mr Molloy and Mr Maughan were originally in court to face separate charges.
Mr Molloy pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage. The court heard that he broke a downstairs window of 8 Upper Market Street on January 1, 2012.
Inspector Tom Kennedy said the total value of the damage came to € 227. Solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client had broken the window in his girlfriend’s apartment in a “fit of pique”. He said Mr Molloy, the first person in a family of 17 to complete his Leaving Certificate, was sorry for his actions.
Judge Durcan ordered that he carry out 100 hours of community service in lieu of two months in prison. He adjourned the matter until April 25.
Separately, Mr Maughan pleaded guilty to two public order offences – being intoxicated in a public place and being a danger to himself and to others, and, to provoking a breach of the peace. The charges relate to an incident at Abbey Street, Ennis on March 10, 2012.
Insp Kennedy said the accused was very intoxicated when he was ap proached by Gardaí. Solicitor William Cahir said his client accepted his behaviour was unacceptable. He said Mr Maughan “struggles with alcohol” but now appeared to be keeping on top of the battle.
Judge Durcan ordered he carry out 100 hours of community service in lieu of two months in prison. He adjourned the matter until May 2 for the preparation of a report by the probation and welfare services. A we e k o f m o st ly dry b u t d u ll a n d fre sh we a t h e r, with te m ps we ll be lo w t h e pa st we e k’s glo rio u s sp e ll. Ra in a n d a lo t o f it , e xp e c t e d e a rly n e xt we e k.