This article is from page 12 of the 2012-04-17 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
THE actions of a keen eyed resident helped Gardaí apprehend a man who made off with € 104 from Tubber church earlier this year, a court has heard.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, William Delaney (37) with an address at 38 Fana Glas, Ballybane, pleaded guilty to stealing € 104 worth of coins, property of Fr Brian Geoghan, from Tubber church on February 15.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court that Mr Delaney, a father of four, was seen by a resident entering the church and leaving again within a couple of minutes.
He said this person then contacted Fr Geoghan who discovered that the church candelabra were empty.
Insp Kennedy added, “Luckily the witness who was watching this took the number of the vehicle and contacted the guards.”
The court heard that the accused was later stopped in Gort where gardaí found the coins concealed in the ashtray of his car.
Insp Kennedy said he told gardaí that he went to the church to light a candle. Mr Delaney said he saw the money in a plastic tray and took it.
He said the accused has one previous conviction for a road traffic offence. Solicitor Daragh Hassett said his client had been traveling back to Galway from Limerick when he stopped at Tubber.
He said Mr Delaney could offer no reason for taking the money other than “stupidity.”
Mr Hassett added, “As someone who goes to church on a regular basis, he believes he will be judged by his maker.”
Mr Hassett said the alertness of the person in making gardai aware of the theft was a good sign for rural communities. He added, “Thankfully neighbourhood watch is alive and well in Tubber.”
Judge Patrick Durcan said he had to balance the accused’s early plea and relatively clear record against the nature of the offence, which he described as “mean and miserly.” He added; “This type of offence attacks the whole social fabric of the country.”
Judge Durcan imposed a € 500 fine with two months to pay. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.