This article is from page 10 of the 2014-01-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
THERE is a ‘huge problem’ with theft in Clare, a Judge has warned.
Judge Patrick Durcan made his comments at Ennis District Court on Wednesday as he imposed a 12month prison sentence on a Romanian man convicted for his role in a number of theft offences.
Emil Brasoveanu (27), with an address at Dun Leinn, Monivea, Galway, was part of a three strong gang who targeted small businesses in West and North Clare in a crime spree on December 17 (2013).
In December, a husband and wife Anton Makula (26) and Anca Grancea (23) of Cluain Rocaird, Headford Road, Galway city, received prison sentences for their role in the offences.
All three had pleaded guilty to various theft charges on three businesses in West Clare.
In December, defence solicitor Fiona Hehir said the couple had “stupidly got involved in the operation” because they needed money for their children’s Christmas presents.
The court heard Mr Brasoveanu wore a ladies swimsuit during the commission of the thefts.
Last month, Sgt Ronan O’Hara of Kilrush Garda Station, told the court the accused wore the swimsuit back to front.
“By wearing it back to front, you can conceal more down the back of it”, explained Sgt O’Hara.
“It’s a new one on me”, said Sgt O’Hara when asked if he had come across this type of theft before.
The businesses targeted were McGrotty’s Medical Hall, Ennistymon, William’s Pharmacy, Kilkee and Miltown Malbay Post Office. All property was recovered, the court heard.
“These people (businesses) were very specifically targeted by these people in a deliberate and organised fashion”, said Judge Durcan at the time.
Praising the actions of local gardaí and the bravery of a post office worker who helped foil the theft of a charity box, Judge Durcan said of the accused;
“Their actions are putting jobs on the line, businesses in jeopardy and leads to a situation where a commu nity could’ve been deprived of essential services.”
On Wednesday, defence solicitor Fiona Hehir said Mr Brasoveanu was an unemployed father of two who committed the offences to get money for Christmas. Judge Durcan said, “I do not believe a single word of what your client has instructed you”.
He said Mr Brasoveanu was part of a gang that had engaged in the “commercial tyranny” of small businesses in West Clare.
“The court has to look on these type of offences with the greatest severity and it does”, he added.
The court heard the accused is currently serving a prison sentence, activated by a Cork court last month.
Judge Durcan imposed a 12-month prison sentence, noting that there is “huge problem with theft in Clare.”
“You can’t have people perpetrating this type of crime against the retail sector which is on it’s knees”, he added.