This article is from page 18 of the 2013-05-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A MAN who committed a series of offences on Holy Thursday that included the theft of two Jack Russel terriers has paid compensation of € 1700 to victims of his crimes.
William Donovan (20) appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday having previously pleaded guilty to a number of offences committed in North Clare on March 28.
Mr Donovan, with an address at 54 Clancy Park, Ennis admitted stealing two tan and white terriers worth € 200 from 18 Ardnaculla, Ennistymon on March 28. The dogs were returned to their owner.
He stole an alloy wheel at Station Road, Lahinch. He also entered a building on Station Road, Lahinch as a trespasser.
Mr Donovan admitted damaging the front window of Kenny’s Pub, Lahinch, causing € 1000 worth of damage.
Mr Donovan broke a window at the Claremont Hotel causing € 125 worth of damage.
The court was also told that the accused smashed the window of a silver Toyota Avensis before attempting to hotwire the car.
The court heard Mr Donovan then broke the windscreen of another car, belonging to the mother of the previous car owner, causing € 400 worth of damage.
Gardaí stopped Mr Donovan around 40 yards from where he stole the alloy wheel.
The court heard the accused’s car had only three wheels as it appeared a tyre may have blown out.
The court heard that gardaí were able to trace Mr Donovan’s movements on the day by following the tracks made by the three wheel car.
On Wednesday, solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that Mr Donovan’s family had gathered € 1700 for compensation to injured parties.
Of the series of incidents on Holy Thursday, Ms Godfrey said;
“There was a lot of prescription drugs taken and he lost the proverbial run of himself.”
However Ms Godfrey added that Mr Donovan is a “completely different person” from the one who appeared in court in March.
She told the court that her client is committed to entering a residential treatment programme.
Addressing Mr Donovan, Judge Patrick Durcan said; “You’re a young man and there is no reason why you can’t face up to challenges in life.”
Judge Durcan placed Mr Donovan on a probation bond for nine months. He ordered him to abide by all directions of the Probation Services.