This article is from page 14 of the 2013-05-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
A MAN who engaged in what a Judge called “wild west behaviour” in pubs in Ennis has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Darren Maughan (21) threw a keg at the door of Kelly’s Bar in the Market, one of a number of offences committed in Ennis during April.
On Wednesday at Ennis District Court, Mr Maughan pleaded guilty to three charges of theft.
He also pleaded guilty to provoking a breach of the peace at Dan O’Connell’s bar, Ennis and criminal damage at Kelly’s Bar on April 8.
The court heard Mr Maughan stole nine bottles of Blossom Hill wine from Fine Wines off-license over two days, April 14 and April 15.
Mr Maughan, with an address at 20 Stonecourt, Drumbiggle, Ennis, also pleaded guilty to the theft of four bottles of Blossom Hill wine from O’Keeffe’s off-license on April 14.
The court heard that on each occasion, the accused walked out of the premises without paying for the alcohol. None of the property was recovered.
Inspector John Galvin told the court that the accused entered Dan O’Connell’s bar on April 8. He said Mr Maughan was barred from the premises and became abusive and threatening towards staff when asked to leave.
The court heard Mr Maughan was also refused entry to Kelly’s Bar. Insp Galvin said the accused threw a keg at the door of the premises causing € 500 worth of damage.
Mr Maughan has 39 previous convictions predominantly for public order offences, the court heard.
Defence solicitor William Cahir told the court that his client is a young man with serious problems with alcohol.
The court heard two of Mr Maughan’s brothers died because of alcohol-associated problems.
Mr Cahir said his client’s older brother is trying to assist him. He added, “He was out of control with alcohol consumption.”
Judge Patrick Durcan asked Mr Maughan to explain his “wild west type behaviour in the pubs of Ennis.”
Mr Maughan replied, “I was drunk. I was on medication. I am very, very sorry for what I did.”
Prior to passing sentence, Judge Durcan asked if Mr Maughan preferred red or white wine. Mr Maughan said, “I’d prefer to have none at all.”
Judge Durcan said he had deemed probation or community survive not to be a suitable sentence.
He said Mr Maughan had committed very serious offences against the people of Ennis, particularly those working in licensed premises.
Judge Durcan imposed sentences totaling four months in prison. He warned Mr Maughan that he would deal with him more harshly if he appeared in court again.
Judge Durcan commended Mr Maughan’s elder brother for the help he has given his sibling.
He told the Mr Maughan that he hoped his time in prison would benefit him.