This article is from page 6 of the 2013-06-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
JAIL terms have been handed down to two people involved in a violent Halloween home invasion in Ennis three years ago.
Carrie Brigdale (23) and Sean Moroney (41) were both sentenced to two years in prison for their roles in a alcohol fueled violent disorder incident that occurred at a rented apartment in Ennis on October 31 (2010).
Ugandan national Collins Kato (28) suffered multiple stab wounds during the assault at 13 Parnell Court.
He was also robbed of € 1640, two laptops and iPhone when a group of 10 people entered his home for a Halloween night party.
Seven people charged in connection with the incident, appeared before Judge Caroll Moran yesterday for sentence.
Judge Moran said Mr Kato had been subjected to a four and a half hour ordeal, during which he was restrained, kicked, robbed and stabbed in the neck with broken shards of a mirror.
He added, “This was an appalling incident, an incident that clearly got out of hand because of the influence of drink.”
The court heard Mr Kato asked the group to leave because of noise concerns and after he found three of them in a “sexually compromising position” in a bedroom.
Gardaí found Mr Kato “coming in and out of consciousness” when they arrived at the scene.
In his victim impact statement, heard in April, Mr Kato said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and feels “lucky to be alive.”
Judge Moran said evidence had been given that mother of three Ms Brigdale was heard to make a “terrifying threat” of “if this guy lives we’re in trouble”.
After which, Judge Moran said, another person said, “cut his throat.”
Judge Moran said Ms Brigdale, with a former address of Mill House Flats, Mill Road, Ennis and currently of no fixed abode, was the most culpable of the group.
She received a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to violent disorder, assault causing harm and production of an article during the course of a dispute.
Mr Moroney, with an address at 31 Dalcassian Park, hit Mr Kato over the heard with a fire extinguisher. He received a two-year sentence for violent disorder. He has 34 previous convictions.
Four other people also appeared before the court.
Caroline Lyons (22), with an address at 15 Waterpark Heights, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Judge Moran said Ms Lyons, who has 17 previous convictions, invited people to the apartment after initially coming on the night to view the premises to rent.
She received a two year suspended sentence on condition she abstain from alcohol and be of good behaviour.
Her brother Gerard Lyons (21), with an address at 15 Waterpark Heights, Ennis pleaded guilty to violent disorder. He also received a two year suspended sentence.
Warren O’Donnell (21), with an address at Laurel Lodge, Ennis and Moore Street, Kilrush, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Judge Moran said O’Donnell admitted being one of the people in the “sexually compromising position” and being present when Mr Kato was assaulted. He received a two-year sentence.
A mother of one who was 17 at the time of incident pleaded guilty to violent disorder. She received the probation act.
A 19 year old man who was 16 at the time of incident pleaded guilty to stealing € 1640.
The court heard yesterday that he has re-paid € 800.
Judge Moran said he would suspend a two-year sentence if the man re-paid the rest of the money by July 22.
Two other men were also charged in connection with the incident. The court heard yesterday that one of those has since died and the other man is no longer thought to be in the jurisdiction.