This article is from page 16 of the 2012-10-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
TWO people who damaged a fire alarm system in an apartment block in Shannon have been told their actions could have had “catastrophic consequences”.
In the event of a fire, the alarm would not have gone off at Kincora Apartments after damage was caused to fire control panel and CCTV system on July 7 (2012), a court heard last week.
Amanda Hayes (22) and Shane Collins (22) pleaded guilty at Ennis District Court on Wednesday to criminal damage at Kincora Apartments.
Judge Patrick Durcan described the incident as a “dastardly and appalling offence.”
Ms Hayes, with an address 48 Inis Eagla Shannon and 10 Kincora Apartments, also pleaded guilty to the theft of alcohol at Skycourt Shopping Centre, Shannon on July 19.
Mr Collins, with an address at Woodpark, Newmarket on Fergus, pleaded guilty to handling stolen property at Skycourt Shopping Centre on July 19.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that CCTV had captured both accused damaging the Kincora apartment block.
He said, “This was a very serious incident. If a fire went off, no alarm would have gone off.”
Ms Hayes, who is currently serving a sentence, has 27 previous convictions. Mr Collins has two previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Jenny Fitzgibbon said that Ms Hayes had suffered problems with drug addiction but is doing well in prison.
She added, “She is hoping to stay of drugs but it is a battle.”
Ms Fitzgibbon said the latest offences were a “huge step up” for Mr Collins.
She said there was no justification for the damage caused to the apart- ment block.
Ms Fitzgibbon told the court that both her clients had consumed Xanex and alcohol and had no memory of the incident at the Skycourt shopping centre.
Judge Patrick Durcan said the damage to the apartment block was extremely serious. “It could have had the most catastrophic of consequences,” he added.
Mr Collins was fined € 250 for handling stolen property. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal. In respect of the criminal damage matter, Mr Collins was ordered to complete 120 hours of community service.
Amanda Hayes received a three month sentence, consecutive to the sentence she is currently serving. Recogances were fixed in the event of an appeal. Ms Hayes received a one month sentence for the theft from Skycourt. A WOMAN alleged to have stolen € 400 from a primary school in Ennis is due to appear again in court this week.
Eva Makulova (32) with an address at 3 Ardlea Close, Ennis is charged with entering Carrig Donn, Ennis on October 7 (2012) and taking € 2810. Ms Makulova has also been charged with the theft of € 400 from the Holy Family Primary School on September 7 (2012). She is also charged the theft of perfume from Cassidy’s Pharmacy, O’Connell Street, Ennis on September 2 and 3.
Ms Makulova appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the case.
Solicitor Tara Godfrey said that she was still awaiting full disclosure from the State.
The case was adjourned for a week. Ms Makulova was remanded in custody to appear again at Ennis District Court on October 31.