This article is from page 16 of the 2008-08-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A MAN who put off-licence staff in fear by his antics when he was drink- ing 1s “a nice, polite man” when so- ber a judge heard yesterday.
The Ennis District Court heard that Michael Maughan (34) with address- es at 18 Beechwood, Clarecastle, and 20 Stone Court, Ennis, had 33 previ- ous convictions mostly for theft.
When he appeared before Judge Leo Malone last week, the judge or- dered that he be remanded in custody after hearing he had assualted one member of staff at Dunnes Stores and intimidated another.
He appeared before the court in- toxicated and his solicitor, Tara God- frey, said yesterday that he wished to “sincerely apologise for that”.
Maughan pleaded guilty to charges of stealing drink, cigarettes and gro- ceries on various dates from Dunnes Stores in Ennis.
He also pleaded guilty to assault on a member of Dunnes staff and to public order charges.
Judge Malone heard that some of the items had been recovered but there was €160 worth of vodka and cigarettes not returned to their right-
ful owners.
Ms Godfrey said that her client has a bad problem with drink, which he is hoping to tackle after being ass- esed for a course of detox treatment in Bushy Park.
She said that the tragic death of his brother and the grieving process had not helped the problem.
‘He is seperated and does not have access to his children as his wife now lives in the UK and one of those chil- dren is now in hospital.
“Drink has taken over his life and he has no compunction about steal- ing when he is drinking, even if he knows he will be caught,” she said.
Inspector Michael Gallagher said that the accused “frightened staff at Dunnes when he was drinking. He just walks in behind the counter and takes drink. But when he is sober, he is anice, polite man.”
After Maughan’s brother produced €160 compensation for stolen goods in court, Judge Malone imposed fines totalling €365 on the theft charges and a three month jail sentence for the assault. But he ordered that the jail term not be invoked, provided Maughan commits no offence in the next two years.