Month: April 2014

EIGHT people have appeared in court charged in connection with an unofficial night-time car event in North Clare last month.

The event took place March 7 and March 8 in locations around North Clare.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, seven young males – including one juvenile – and one female appeared on various charges.

Wayne Danaher (19), with an address at Snipe Lodge, Knockagulla, Lisdoonvarna, is charged with participating in the organisation of an unlawful event, which involved a threat to the public peace, safety and good order through the use of high powered vehicles in a public place.

Mr Danaher is also charged with willfully preventing or interrupting the passage of persons or vehicles at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, near the Cliffs of Moher on March 7 and at Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan, on March 8. Mr Danaher is also charged with having in his possession a false driver’s licence and false ID.

Two others are also charged in connection with organising the event through the use of high-powered vehicles – Declan Sweeney (20) with an address at Doonagore, Doolin, and Jennifer Cannavan (20) with an address at Derrymore, Lahinch. Both are also charged with wilfully preventing or interrupting the passage of persons or vehicles at Doonyvar- den, Ballyvaughan, on March 8.

Shaun Larkin (27) with an address at Inis Carraig, Ennis, faces two separate charges of dangerous driving at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan, after 1am on March 8.

Sean Keane (19) with an address Ballyhannon, Quin, is charged with dangerous driving on March 8 at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden.

Rory Downes (21) with an address at Clonakilla, Kilmilhil, faces three separate charges of dangerous driving from March 8 at Toomullin, Doolin, Roadford, Doolin, and Gortaclob, Doolin.

Gabriel Week, with an address at Bealcragga, Connolly, is charged with dangerous driving at Corkscrewhill, Doonyvarden, on March 8.

A 17-year-old boy is charged with dangerous driving at Lislorkin North, Liscannor, near the Cliffs of Moher on March 7 and dangerous driving at Doonyvarden, Ballyvaughan, on March 8.

Judge Early remanded the Leaving Cert student on bail to re-appear before court on July 25 on account that he will be sitting his Leaving Cert in June.

In respect of the other seven accused, Judge Early remanded all seven on bail to re-appear before court on June 11 next to hear how all four intend to plead to the various charges.

Judge Early also directed that where the State has video evidence of the alleged offences to make it available to the defence solicitors.

A SPECIALISED drug and alcohol initiative aimed at helping those addicted to drugs and alcohol in the West Clare area is to be officially launched next month.

The multi-agency support service for people affected by substance misuse and their families was set up six months ago as a “trial”.

Since then it has helped 22 people, and the five agencies involved in the programme now plan to extend its reach.

Margaret Nash from Bushy Park, one of the organisations involved in the programme, said the majority of the people seeking help are dealing with polydrug use – an addiction to both drugs and alcohol.

As many families in West Clare are reaching out to the service as individuals with addictions, she explained, adding that the service is open to helping not just addicts but their loved ones.

Ms Nash who has years of experience working with people with addictions said it is impossible to say what it the most prevalent drug in the area.

“To say ‘drug of choice’ is very simplistic. They may have a favourite drug, but any drug will do,” she said.

The new service is a drop-in service at the Clarecare Offices, Toler Street, Kilrush, and is free of charge.

“It is a safe and confidential area in Kilrush to find help,” said Ms Nash.

She added that isolated areas of the West Clare needed this service to be brought closer.

“It is to cover the whole of the south west area.”

The drop-in service is free of charge and is open every Thursday from 12.30pm to 2pm.

As well as Bushy Park, the service is also supported by the Mid West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, the Community Substance Misuse Team, HSE and Anna Liffey Drug Project.

VISITORS to a Kilrush graveyard have blatantly ignored no dumping signs.

The Mayor of Kilrush has appealed to people to take away their own litter and rubbish from the parish graveyard, as it is not only an eyesore but also a huge cost to the graveyard committee.

People have ironically started to dump old wreaths, flowers and candle holders inside the gate of All Saints Graveyard, directly in a front of a sign that asks people not to dump in the graveyard.

Black bags containing visitors’ rubbish are piled high in front of a sign that says, “Thank you for bringing home discarded wreaths and flowers.”

The mayor, Cllr Paul Moroney (Ind), said the sight is very disturbing to mourners who visit the graves and take such good care of their own family plot.

“Most of the things piled up there are things that can be put in a compost heap. If people brought them home hey may be able to do some good with them,” he said.

“I would appeal to people to take these things home and put them in their own bins. It is quite upsetting for other people visiting family graves,” he added.

The mayor, whose parents were laid to rest in the cemetery in the last six months, said however that the majority of people respect the grounds and do not dump their rubbish inside its gates.

Chairman of the local cemetery committee that cares for the up keep of the town’s third graveyard Tom Prendeville said clearing the rubbish puts added pressure on the committees finances. It costs € 1,500 every year to remove the waste accumulated in the graveyard. This money must come from church gate collections and other fundraisers.

A POLISH man charged following the alleged discovery of cannabis at Spancill Hill earlier this year has been sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

The charges relate to alleged offences at Kilvoydan, Spancill Hill, on January 21, 2014.

Krzyztof Sobolewski, with a former address at The Island, Kilvoydan Spancill Hill, is charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis for sale or sup- ply.

It is alleged the accused had cannabis for sale or supply at a time when the market value of the controlled drugs amounted to € 13,000 or more.

Mr Sobolewski (37) is also charged with unlicensed cultivation of cannabis.

The book of evidence was served on the accused at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Pubic Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to the accused being returned for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on April 29.

Defence solicitor John Casey told the court a Polish translator would be required in the Circuit Court. Mr Casey also applied for the book of evidence to be translated into Polish.

His application was granted by Judge William Early.

Judge Early also approved a legal aid application going forward for Mr Casey, junior counsel and senior counsel, in view of the seriousness of the charge. Judge Early delivered the alibi warning and made the order returning the accused for trial.

THREE teenagers charged in connection with the robbery of money from two men in the grounds of a school in Ennis last year are due to appear before the Circuit Criminal Court today.

Evan Toomey (18), with an address at Oak Park, Ennis; Shane McCarthy (18), with and address at Shalee Drive, Ennis; and Jordan Whelan (18), with an address at Dun na hInse, Ennis, are charged with robbery at the Colaiste Muire school at Harmony, Ennis on December 21, 2013. The charges relate to the robbery of money from two men.

Mr McCarthy and Mr Whelan are charged with the robbery of money from Alan Markham – a member of Clare’s All-Ireland winning hurling panel in 1997. Mr Whelan is further charged with assault causing harm to a man at Abbey Street.

Mr Toomey is charged with the robbery of € 100 from another man, Sean Hogan.

Books of evidence were served on all three accused at Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecu- tions (DPP) had consented to the accused being sent forward for trial to the next sittings of the Circuit Criminal Court in Ennis on April 29. Mr McCarthy was sent forward on bail subject to conditions.

Defence solicitor for Mr Toomey, John Casey, told Judge Early he was reserving his position in relation to bail for the time being.

Mr Whelan was remanded on bail as set. Judge William Early approved legal aid for the men’s solicitors and a junior counsel in respect of each accused. He delivered the alibi warning and made orders returning all three men for trial.

A MAN arrested by gardaí following an alleged robbery in Ennis later allegedly smeared faeces in a cell at Ennis Garda Station, a court has heard.

It is alleged Michael Mongans (23) told a barman who had just left work that he would murder him if he did not give Mr Mongans money during the alleged robbery at around 5am on the morning of January 20, 2014.

Mr Mongans was later arrested by gardaí before allegedly causing € 600 worth of criminal damage to a cell at the Garda Station.

After hearing the alleged facts of the case at Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Judge William Early said he had no hesitation in refusing jurisdiction of a case where it is alleged someone was subject to robbery under threat of murder.

A book of evidence will now be prepared and the case will proceed in the Circuit Court.

Mr Mongans, with an address at Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket on Fergus, is charged with robbery of € 20 from a man at O’Halloran’s Lane, Ennis, on January 20.

He is further charged with causing criminal damage at Ennis Garda Station by spreading faeces, blood and urine throughout cell number one on the same date.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the barman was leaving the Bar Code bar on Parnell Street after work on the morning in question.

He said the man was grabbed by Mr Mongans who was standing in a nearby laneway.

It is alleged Mr Mongans told the barman that he would get a beating if he did not give the accused money.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Mongans also threatened to murder the alleged victim if he did not give him money.

The court heard the man retrieved € 20 from his pocket but Mr Mongans said this was not enough.

Insp Kennedy said the alleged victim managed to break free of Mr Mongans’ grip before running in the direction of a taxi rank in the Parnell Street car park. Insp Kennedy said Mr Mongans allegedly gave chase. Insp Kennedy said the barman was “fearful for his life”.

The court heard Mr Mongans was later arrested on Barrack Street. He was brought to Ennis Garda Station, where Insp Kennedy told the court, he allegedly defecated in a cell and smeared faeces on the walls.

Judge Early refused jurisdiction of both matters. Insp Kennedy said an extension of time would be required to prepare the book of evidence.

Mr Mongans was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on July 9.

A DRIVER was pulled from his car and allegedly threatened after four people jumped into his vehicle in Ennis last year.

It is alleged Declan Sherlock (19) unlawfully took control of the man’s car after he was ordered into the back seat, Ennis District Court heard on Wednesday.

Mr Sherlock, with an address at 41 Dromard, Lahinch Road, Ennis, is charged with unlawful use of a vehicle without the consent of the owner at Quin Road, Ennis, on August 19, 2013.

Details of the alleged offence were outlined to Judge William Early at Ennis District Court on Wednesday so he could consider the issue of jurisdiction, which court the case will proceed in.

Insp Tom Kennedy told the court the alleged victim was stopped at traffic lights outside Moloney’s Pub in Ennis. The court heard four people, including the accused, approached the car and jumped in.

The court heard the driver knew some of the people in the group. Insp Kennedy said Mr Sherlock asked the driver to go the Dromard housing estate.

He said that as a woman exited the vehicle at Dromard, the diver told everyone to get out.

Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged the driver was threatened and directed to drive to another area of Ennis in relation to what he called “drug activity”.

The court heard that when the car arrived at the location, a row occurred. The 18-year-old driver was pulled from the front seat and put in the back.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock took control of the car before driving to other estates in Ennis.

Judge William Early said that having heard the alleged evidence this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction meaning the case will proceed to the Circuit Court.

Separately, Mr Sherlock is also charged with a burglary offence allegedly committed at Market Hardware, Quin Road, Ennis, March 31, 2013.

Outlining details of the alleged offence, Insp Kennedy said the intruder alarm was activated at the business at around 4am.

It is alleged gardaí discovered Mr Sherlock on the premises in posses- sion of a number of stolen items.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged Mr Sherlock was holding a Stanley knife and a claw hammer.

Insp Kennedy said it is alleged the accused had the weapons to defend himself in case he was challenged.

After hearing the alleged facts, Mr Sherlock stood up in court and said, “This is a load of s***”.

Judge Early told the accused he had to hear the allegations to so if they are fit to be heard in the District Court.

He said he was satisfied this was not a minor offence fit to be tried summarily. He refused jurisdiction.

Mr Sherlock was remanded on continuing bail to appear again at Ennis District Court on May 7 for service of the book of evidence.

A LIMERICK man has appeared in court in Ennis charged with 32 offences relating to the alleged theft of car parts across four counties in the West and South.

The alleged thefts relate to the taking of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters mainly from highpowered vehicles in Clare, Galway, Limerick and Kerry between January 24 and February 22, 2014.

It is alleged that criminal damage was caused to the vehicles when the parts were removed.

Darren O’Driscoll (20), with an address at Monaclino Halting Site, Ballysimon Road, Limerick, appeared before Ennis District Court on Wednesday.

He is charged with stealing of cata- lytic converters and causing criminal damage to cars at the Radisson Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick; Dromoland Castle Newmarket on Fergus; Bunratty Castle; on dates between January 24 and January 26.

He is further charged with theft of catalytic converters and criminal damage at Kenna Metal Eastpark, Shannon; Modular Automation Shannon – the location of four alleged offences: Ennis Golf Club; Dunnes Stores, Ennis; Dromoland Castle and West County Hotel, Ennis on dates between February 4 and February 9.

Mr O’Driscoll is facing six charges arising from the alleged theft of catalytic converters and criminal damage to three vehicles in the car park of Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Ballybane, Galway, on dates between February 19 and February 20.

New charges relating to alleged thefts from vehicles in Kerry were brought against Mr O’Driscoll on Wednesday.

Detective Garda Emma Mullane of Tralee Garda Station gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

She said Mr O’Driscoll made no reply to any of the charges after caution.

Mr O’Driscoll is charged with stealing catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters from vehicles in Farranfore Railway Station; Manor West Retail Park, Tralee, and thefts from two cars at Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee, on dates between February 18 and 22.

Inspector Tom Kennedy said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed summary disposal of the charges in the District Court. He outlined a summary of the alleged facts to allow Judge William Early to consider jurisdiction.

Insp Kennedy said it would be alleged Mr O’Driscoll used a battery powered saw to cut the catalytic converters from underneath the car.

Insp Kennedy said the purpose of the alleged thefts was to gain access to a valuable metal found in the converters and diesel filters.

Judge Early initially accepted jurisdiction but later changed his mind and refused it in all cases. He said he was doing so because of the cost of the damage to the car owners and the number of alleged thefts.

Judge Early adjourned the case to June and requested the DPP provide clarity on which jurisdiction the cases will be heard in.

Mr O’Driscoll was remanded on continuing bail.

A BOOK of evidence has been served on a man accused of causing over € 13,000 worth of damage to a house in Ennis almost two years ago.

Bernie Mongan (26) is charged in connection with an incident that occurred at the Dun Na hInse housing estate in 2012.

Mr Mongan, with addresses at Dun Na hInse, Ennis, and Leim An Bhradáin, Gort Road, Ennis, is charged with criminal damage.

It is alleged he caused € 13,580 worth of damage to the walls, windows and structure of a house in Dun na hInse, Ennis on June 29, 2012.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the case proceed to trial on indictment meaning it will be heard in the circuit court.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Inspector Tom Kennedy told the court the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had consented to the accused being returned for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Criminal Court on April 29.

Garda Irene O’Flynn of Ennis Garda Station gave evidence of serving the book of evidence on the accused. Judge William Early delivered the alibi warning and made the order returning the accused for trial on bail. He granted legal aid going forward for defence solicitor Tara Godfrey and one junior counsel.

Mr Mongan is due to appear before the Circuit Court in Ennis tomorrow.

THE provision of a safe space where men can talk openly about issues of mental health can help address such as isolation and depression, a meeting has heard.

Frank McNamara, facilitator of the Ennis Men’s Shed, was speaking at the opening of the ‘No Man an Island’ conference in Ennis on Saturday night.

The conference, the first of its kind to be held in Ireland, was organised by members of the Ennis Men’s Shed. Mr McNamara was one of those who set up the Ennis Men’s Shed in Hermitage last year.

Outlining the aims of the initiative, Mr McNamara said, “It is hoped that the well being of its members will be improved and issues such as isolation and lack of self esteem and self worth can be addressed. In tackling these issues it’s not just the shedders that benefit but also their families and the wider community. It gives the men something to focus their time and energy on, which in turn promotes healthier more productive relationships with their partner and / or children.”

Mr McNamara said a meeting at the West County Hotel in May 2013 kickstarted the movement in Ennis. With support from a Clarecastle businessman and Ennis man Tony Mulqueen, who supplied premises, the shed was established at Centrepoint, Hermitage.

“We are now 10 months on and the Ennis Men’s Shed wouldn’t be where it is today without the support and backing of Tony and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him.”

Mr McNamara told the conference that the shed is open to all men over 18. He said the Ennis Men’s Shed committee has received fantastic support from the community, the Clare / Limerick Education Training Board and Clare Arts Council.

He added. “With the Ennis Men’s Shed going from strength to strength and in order for the shed to have the positive impact on the local community that its committee and members envisage, it is vital that we link in fully with other community support groups and government agencies so they have a confidence in suggesting Ennis Men’s Shed as an option to those presenting with issues such as depression isolation, exclusion etc.”