This article is from page 18 of the 2014-01-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
A WEST Clare man who claims he walked 17 miles between Ennis and Kilrush while in a “drug haze” after he was arrested for breaking into a car has been ordered to comply with the Probation Services.
Sam Johnson (19) was arrested by gardaí after breaking into a car at Considine’s Terrace, Ennis on October 12, 2013.
Mr Johnson appeared at Ennis District Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to two charges of illegally interfering with mechanically propelled vehicles.
Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court a resident of Considine’s Terrace contacted gardaí after she discovered her car had been moved from its original position to the middle of the car park.
Mr Johnson, with an address at New House, Cooraclare, was arrested after gardaí discovered his phone and a specimen of blood in the car. He was later released.
Insp Kennedy said gardaí received another report later that morning of a car being broken into at the Cross Roads Pub, Knockalough, Kilrush Road.
The court heard the owner had parked his vehicle at the pub before getting a lift to work in Meelick.
Insp Kennedy said Mr Johnson was seen in the car and arrested soon after.
Insp Kennedy said the accused was disorientated and intoxicated and was unable to give an explanation for his behaviour.
The court heard Mr Johnson has paid compensation of € 200 for the damage done to the car at Knockalough.
Mr Johnson has no previous convictions.
Defence solicitor Fiona Hehir said her client was still high on drugs and had no phone when he was released.
She said Mr Johnson walked from Ennis to the Cross Roads Pub.
“He was in a drug haze. There is no other way to explain it”, she added.
Ms Hehir said her client has not taken any drugs since the incident and is meeting with a drugs counselor.
The court heard that when asked by gardaí why he had broken into the car at Knockalough, the accused, said, “I wanted to buy the car.”
Insp Kennedy said the distance from Ennis to Knockalough was around 17 miles.
Asked by Judge Durcan if he accepted Mr Johnson’s version of events on the night, Insp Kennedy said, “No.”
“I don’t know how he got to Knockalough but I can assure you he did not walk it”, he added.
Judge Patrick Durcan said these were very serious offences. However he said Mr Johnson was in full time education and is taking steps to deal with substance abuse issues. Adjourning the case to April 2, Judge Durcan ordered a pre-sentence report from the Probation Services.