This article is from page 13 of the 2012-03-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A CZECH man who smashed a downstairs window as a woman watched television at home alone has received a five-month prison sentence.
At Ennis District Court on Friday, Michal Makula (36), with an address at 3 Churchview, Barefield, pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage.
The charge relates to an incident at Cloneyogan, Lahinch, on September 9, 2011.
Inspector Tom Kennedy explained that on the night in question, a 26year-old woman was watching television at home on her own. The court heard that at around 10.30pm she heard a car pull into the drive. A man she did not recognise then got out of the car and started banging on the window and front door of the house, the court heard.
Insp Kennedy told the court that the man then went to the back of the house and broke a window. The woman came downstairs where she saw the man who then left the scene.
Insp Kennedy said the total value of the damage was € 100. He told the court that the accused has 19 previous convictions. The court heard that Makula is currently serving a sentence for burglary and assault offences.
Solicitor Tara Godfrey told the court that her client had committed the offence at a time when he and his young family were in “crisis” and were not in receipt of any social welfare payments. She said her client had become “desperate and wild” about how to provide for his children.
Ms Godfrey requested that sentencing be adjourned for two weeks to allow for payment of compensation to the injured party.
Judge Patrick Durcan noted that this incident had occurred as a young woman watched television in bed late at night. He said the house was in a rural part of the county. Judge Durcan said it was obvious, that by breaking the glass, Makula intended to gain access to the house. “I regard this as a very serious criminal damage charge,” he added.
Judge Durcan said the message must go out that people living in rural areas are entitled to the inviolability of their homes.
Noting Makula’s plea of guilty and family circumstances, he imposed a five-month sentence to be served consecutively to his current sentence. Recognances were fixed in the event of an appeal.