This article is from page 16 of the 2012-10-30 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 drove the wrong way down a busy street in Gort after stealing from a shop in the town has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
Timmy Casey (36), with an address at Bay 10 Clonlong, Southhill, pleaded guilty at Ennis District Court on Wednesday to dangerous driving, having no insurance, no driver’s license and theft at Gort on September 9.
The court heard that Mr Casey entered a clothes shop and removed money from the cash register while the owner was at the rear of the premises.
Inspector Michael Gallagher said that after leaving the shop, the accused drove on the wrong side of Crowe Street to evade gardaí. He said that at one stage, cars had to move onto the footpath to avoid Mr Casey’s car.
The court heard that Mr Casey also crashed into a garda patrol car. Insp Gallagher said the accused was at- tempting to evade gardaí.
Mr Casey, who has 89 previous convictions, also pleaded guilty to stealing a collection box from Teach Bia, Ennistymon on September 15.
The court heard that Mr Casey forced open the front door and stole the charity box containing € 40.
Defence solicitor Ted McCarthy told the court that his client had suffered from a serious addiction to alcohol. He said Mr Casey had committed the offences in “desperation” to get money for alcohol and drugs. “He was never going to get away with it”, Mr McCarthy added. He said Mr Casey is committed to dealing with his addiction issues.
Judge Patrick Durcan noted Mr Casey’s early guilty plea and severe addictions problems. He imposed sentences totalling nine months and fines totalling € 400.
Judge Durcan said the sentences are to run consecutive to the sentence Mr Casey is currently serving. Mr Casey was disqualified from holding a driver’s license for five years.