This article is from page 14 of the 2013-10-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
TWO men stole used cooking oil from a hotel in Ennis to use as fuel for their cars, a court has heard.
Lithuanian nationals Linas Mitkus (40) and Gedminuas Paskauskas (33) stole € 56 worth of used cooking oil from the rear of the Old Ground Hotel on April 18. Both men pleaded guilty at Ennis District Court on Wednesday to the theft of burnt oil the property of Frylite Ltd.
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court a white van belonging to one of the men was captured on CCTV on the day. He said the men admitted the theft but told gardaí they thought it was waste oil.
The court heard Frylite Ltd, the company who supply cooking oil to the hotel, take away the used product oil to sell as biofuel.
Mr Mitkus, with an address at Tirellan Heights, Headford Road, Galway, and Mr Paskauskas, with an address Lana An Bhaile, Ballymore Lane, Craughwell, Galway, have no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Daragh Hassett told the court his clients collect waste cooking oil as they have interest in recycling oil.
He said they took the oil for personal use and had brought € 56 compensation to court. The court heard both men have cars that run on biodegradable oil.
Judge Patrick Durcan said this was a serious offence and people do not have the right to enter private property and take goods.
“The hotel proprietor is entitled to believe that what is left there (premises) isn’t moved around and is protected,” he added.
He said the men’s early guilty pleas meant the State did not face any extra expense or burden. He said both men were non-nationals who had lived in Ireland for a long period and had clear records.
Both accused were ordered to pay € 200 to the court poor box. Judge Durcan said he did not want to criminalise the men.
A MAN
charged with the burgalry of a historic mansion in Killaloe has been further remanded in custody. Jeffrey Lee (41), with an address at Cosgrave Park, Moyross, Limerick, appeared before Ennis District Court onWednesday. He is charged with enteringTinarana House as a trespasser on dates between August 17 and September 24 and committing theft therein. Inspector Michael Gallagher sought to have the accused remanded in custody to November 6 to allowthe Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to issue directions. Defence solicitor Tara Godrey consented to the remand.Tinarana House is the home of Gary McNamara and his wife, Michelle. He is the son of Dolores McNamara, the Limerick woman who won €115min the Euromillions lottery drawin 2005.The mansion is located on 270 acres on the shores of Lough Derg.Tinarana was previously owned by Dr Paschal Carmody and his wife, Dr Frieda Carmody.
A 17- year
-old boy has been in court charged in connection with a large drugs seizure in Ennis last year.The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. He is charged with possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis for sale or supply in the Kilrush Road area of Ennis in March 2012. Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court the drugs have an estimated value of €12,800. He said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed trial on indictment and that a book of evidence will be prepared.The case was adjourned to November 13 for service of the book of evidence. A JUDGE has refused jurisdiction of a case where a man suffered a fractured jaw in an alleged assault at a fast food restaurant in Shannon earlier this year. At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge Patrick Durcan said he made the decision, as the injuries are “very serious.” Details of the alleged assault at Supermacs were heard at Ennis District Court on Wednesday. Josh Vincent (20), with an address at Finian Park, Shannon, is charged with assault causing harm in Shannon town centre on May 26. The case was adjourned previously for the production of a medical report on the alleged victim. Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court it would be alleged Mr Vincent was involved in a brief altercation with a man in a Shannon nightclub. He said the pair met again in Supermacs that night where it is alleged the accused punched the man in the head. The court heard the alleged victim suffered a fractured jaw and had four screws inserted into his gum as part of the treatment. Insp Gallagher said the man was left unconscious for 20 seconds following the alleged assault. After reading details of the medical report, Judge Durcan refused jurisdiction. Mr Vincent was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on November 13. A book of evidence is due to ready by that date.