This article is from page 13 of the 2012-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
A FORMER road sweeper who suffers from a serious heroin addiction has been told the court will help him if he takes steps to improve his life.
At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, Edmund Lyons (47) with a former address at 2 Clare Villas, Clare Road Ennis and currently of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to theft. The charge relates to the theft of a wallet at O’Sullivan Hansbury, Kilrush Road, Ennis on July 28 (2011).
Inspector Michael Gallagher told the court that a person dropped a wallet in the shop. He said the accused picked up the wallet, which contained € 130 and a number of bank cards.
Insp Gallagher said the man reported the lost wallet to gardaí. He said the accused was subsequently identified by CCTV footage from the shop.
Insp Gallagher said Mr Lyons made a full admission to gardaí in February 2012. The court heard that neither the cash nor the cards were recovered.
Solicitor Tara Godfrey said her client, a father of two, had worked as a road sweeper for a local authority for almost 20 years.
She added, “He developed an addiction to heroin. 90 per cent of his life has been taken away.” Ms Godfrey said the drug had destroyed Mr Lyons’ life. Asked by Judge Patrick about what he had done with the bank cards, Mr Lyons said he had left them on a wall outside the shop.
After hearing the case, Judge Durcan said that Ms Godfrey must come back to court in two months time with confirmation that Mr Lyons is taking steps to “look after himself.”
He said, “If this court sees he’s making every effort, the court will be there to help.”
Judge Durcan said he wanted to see that a positive plan for Mr Lyons is in progress.
He added, “If not there will be a prison sentence.” Judge Durcan adjourned the matter until July 18.