This article is from page 13 of the 2012-10-09 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A MAN has been sentenced in 11 months in prison for a theft and criminal damage offences committed in Gort last month.
Brendan Sherlock (19), with an address at 41 Dromard, Lahinch Road, Ennis received the sentence at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.
Mr Sherlock pleaded guilty to the theft of a laptop and a quantity of cash from an apartment on Station Road, Gort on dates unknown between August 28 and 29.
Garda John Keating told the court that Mr Sherlock may have been invited into the premises. He said the laptop had not yet been recovered.
The court heard that Mr Sherlock also admitted breaking the window of a car parked on George’s Street, Gort on September 5. € 200 worth of damage was caused to the car.
The court heard that the accused stole alcohol from Aldi on September 6. Mr Sherlock has a number of previous convictions.
Solicitor Elaine Murphy told the court that her client comes from a large family in Ennis. She said Mr Sherlock’s mother had passed away after giving birth in 2008.
Ms Murphy said her client had been addicted to drink and drugs and had committed the offences to “feed his habit.” She said Mr Sherlock apologised for his behaviour and had cooperated with gardaí. Garda Keating said Mr Sherlock’s problems purely stemmed from drink and drugs.
Judge Durcan said he was considering remanding Mr Sherlock for six weeks in order for him to address his addiction problems. He said the court must be seen to act otherwise the gardaí in Gort would be inundated with complaints from “goodie, goodie” organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce. The court heard that the Mr Sherlock would be a suitable candidate to engage with the Probation services.
After consulting with her client, Ms Murphy told the court that Mr Sherlock did not wish meet with the Probation services.
She said, “My client wishes to have sentence dealt with today.”
He imposed sentences totaling 11 months. Judge Durcan said; “I am sorry that your client adopted the position he adopted and I hope it was for genuine reasons.”